As a result of seeing a higher-than-usual number of distemper outbreaks this year, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) has issued a community health alert to all pet owners. States such as Florida, Ohio and Georgia have also seen earlier-than-usual occurrences of this dangerous disease and extra caution is urged nationally.  Typically, distemper outbreaks arise in the spring due to an increased number of puppies, however this year, signs of the disease are appearing much earlier.

Two New Strains of Distemper
There is evidence to suggest that two new strains of distemper indigenous to Europe have made their way to the U.S. While the typical incubation period for distemper is typically 1-2 weeks, the new strains may have even longer incubation periods.

Worse, while traditionally distemper was thought of as a disease that primarily affected puppies who have not had all of their “puppy” shots; these strains are now appearing in elderly pets with unconfirmed vaccination histories.

How Distemper is Spread
Distemper is highly contagious and spread through bodily secretions of infected animals via inhalation. Once inhaled, the virus moves to the lymph nodes where it begins reproducing. Eventually it spreads to the blood and the cell lining of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital and central nervous system of infected animals.

Symptoms of Distemper
Symptoms vary from dog to dog, but often include:

• discharge from eyes/nose
• coughing
• lethargy
• lack of appetite
• callusing of nose/foot pads
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• seizures

Prevention of distemper

• Vaccinate your pet: It is imperative that the community is diligent in updating their pet’s vaccinations as directed by their veterinarian.
• Use Caution in Communal areas: People must be very cautious when taking their pets to communal areas such as dog parks or other public areas with unknown dogs. Unvaccinated dogs of all ages are at high risk for contracting the disease.
• Distemper is a community problem and it is the responsibility of pet parents to vaccinate and protect their dogs.

If you suspect your dog has distemper

• Isolate your dog from other dogs in the household immediately.
• Take your dog into the vet immediately to confirm diagnosis.

Treatment of distemper
If your pet is diagnosed with the distemper virus a thorough cleaning of your home with disinfectant is necessary.  Currently, there is no specific treatment or cure for the distemper virus, nor is there a fool-proof test to confirm or deny the diagnosis.

AHS is taking every precautionary measure available to ensure the health of the animals in our care and in the community. In addition, AHS is working closely with their vaccination representatives as new information becomes available while also working in conjunction with Oklahoma State University regarding a research study so they can gain more information on the deadly virus.