04/23/2023
Cincinnati shelter struggles with distemper outbreak.
Cincinnati Animal Care Community Engagement Manager Ray Anderson said the shelter euthanized 25 dogs last week after canine distemper virus was detected in the shelter's canine population, and the facility has limited admissions and adoptions as a result. Dogs that have been medically cleared are allowed to be fostered or adopted, and intakes are temporarily being housed off-site to protect them from the virus.
The best prevention is keeping your dogs up to date on their vaccinations. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk. Symptoms include:
-eye/nasal discharge
-fever
-respiratory signs
-gastrointestinal signs
-neurologic signs
-thickened paw pads
Distemper is an airborne infection spread mainly by coughing and sneezing, but can also be from sharing food/water bowls. Distemper is often fatal and is very serious virus.
