(Deming) – Canine distemper, a highly contagious viral infection, has been diagnosed in Deming and Luna County.
Sande Foster with the Deming-Luna County Humane Society said cases of distemper have been identified throughout the county, including in the Lewis Flats area to the east, some northern areas of the county, the Red Mountain area to the west, and locations within the Deming city limits.
Dogs which have had the original series of puppy shots and a booster are not as at-risk as those which have not had any vaccinations.
All pet owners who are unsure about the dogs’ immunization status, should give immunizations as a safeguard against infection.
Foster said two dogs were brought to the Deming Animal Shelter quarantine area last Monday, February 8th, in the final stages of the disease and were euthanized.
The shelter staff vaccinated all resident dogs, closed the shelter for a week and monitored the temperature of each dog daily. No further cases had been identified after a week.
Both local veterinarians verified cases of distemper as well.
Distemper can be difficult to diagnose without blood tests, but early signs are watery eyes and a green mucous discharge from the nose. Other animals may have loose, bloody feces similar to symptoms of the parvo virus.
The incubation period of canine distemper is normally three to seven days.
Distemper is an airborne virus which has cycled through our area with no verifiable source. The last time this area was affected was about eight years ago.
Members of the canine family such as coyotes and foxes may be affected as well as domestic dogs.
The public is urged to report any dead animal – domestic or wildlife – to animal control officers by contacting Central Dispatch at 546-0354.
Sande Foster with the Deming-Luna County Humane Society said cases of distemper have been identified throughout the county, including in the Lewis Flats area to the east, some northern areas of the county, the Red Mountain area to the west, and locations within the Deming city limits.
Dogs which have had the original series of puppy shots and a booster are not as at-risk as those which have not had any vaccinations.
All pet owners who are unsure about the dogs’ immunization status, should give immunizations as a safeguard against infection.
Foster said two dogs were brought to the Deming Animal Shelter quarantine area last Monday, February 8th, in the final stages of the disease and were euthanized.
The shelter staff vaccinated all resident dogs, closed the shelter for a week and monitored the temperature of each dog daily. No further cases had been identified after a week.
Both local veterinarians verified cases of distemper as well.
Distemper can be difficult to diagnose without blood tests, but early signs are watery eyes and a green mucous discharge from the nose. Other animals may have loose, bloody feces similar to symptoms of the parvo virus.
The incubation period of canine distemper is normally three to seven days.
Distemper is an airborne virus which has cycled through our area with no verifiable source. The last time this area was affected was about eight years ago.
Members of the canine family such as coyotes and foxes may be affected as well as domestic dogs.
The public is urged to report any dead animal – domestic or wildlife – to animal control officers by contacting Central Dispatch at 546-0354.
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