Distemper Advisory (This should be handed out to anyone who either adopts, foster or reclaims a pet in the event of a shelter outbreak of Distemper) Recently there has been a nasty virus, Distemper, found in our community. This virus is very easy to prevent with a simple vaccination (the DHLPP). We have given all of our dogs the appropriate vaccinations and they should not be harboring this virus. However, Distemper can mimic kennel cough. At this point, we believe that any dog in our care with signs of kennel cough, actually only has kennel cough. This letter is just a precaution so we can ensure swift treatment should other symptoms besides a cough arise. Please contact us if you see any of the following symptoms: 1. A lack of interest in food. 2. Extreme lethargy (it is ok to sleep and take naps but not be lethargic all day long) 3. Severe nasal discharge 4. Severe coughing especially if it is accompanied by heavy breathing 5. Tremors of muscles (not regular old shivering but spasms) or seizures 6. Eye problems such as not wanting to open them We will be in touch with you as fast as we can should you see these symptoms. Again, 99% of our dogs are just experiencing kennel cough so please do not let this stop you from adopting or fostering a great shelter dog who really needs a home. We just want to be proactive about getting you the information you need so you can watch for further symptoms and be in touch. Other dogs in your household, as long as they have been vaccinated, should be immune from this disease. We do advise any home with puppies under 4 months who haven’t received at least 3 vaccinations or older immunocompromised dogs, only adopt or foster dogs with no signs of kennel cough. DO YOU FEEL THAT AAM&W SHOULD BE GIVING TTHESE OUT? DO YOU THINK AAM&W SHOULD BE VACCINATING ALL PETS UPON ARRIVAL IN OUR SHELTER? Lowering The Risk Of Distemper In Our Shelter The facility is not crowded Dogs are housed singly or in stable pairs/groups and are not handled or removed from their run during cleaning (e.g. double sided runs used correctly) Animal housing areas are non-porous, non-scratched surface and can be (and are!) effectively cleaned and disinfected and thoroughly dried between uses by animals Separate tools and equipment are used for each area of the shelter Puppies and recently admitted dogs (at minimum) are handled with hand sanitizer, hand washing or change of gloves between individuals Access to common play areas is restricted to dogs over 5 months of age vaccinated at least 3-5 days previously There is no crossover of clothing, equipment or location between intake areas/activities and areas/activities involving sick animals or euthanasia Sick animals are promptly isolated Clinical signs appeared within a few days of shelter intake (and therefore the animal was more likely exposed in the community versus in the shelter) Risk due to animal immune status is reduced if: ALL animals 4 weeks and older are vaccinated immediately upon intake Risk is very low in animals > 4-5 months old that are either: Vaccinated with a MLV sub-cutaneous vaccine at least one week prior to exposure Have a documented history of vaccination at or after 20 weeks of age and within three years prior to exposure Risk is greater in puppies under 5 months old even if vaccinated (due to maternal antibody interference) Risk is greater in animals vaccinated less than a week before exposure Risk is greatest in closely exposed, unvaccinated animals If a single case occurs in an area where all animals have been vaccinated and environmental spread risk is deemed low based on the above listed factors, further steps to mitigate risk may not be necessary. If spread is observed or few of the above precautions are in place, the whole ward or even the whole shelter may need to be considered at risk/exposed.
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 12:50:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015