For Immediate Release October 8, 2014 Animal Welfare Remains Voluntarily Quarantined After a visit by a state inspector from the Georgia Department of Agriculture on Wednesday and meeting with the County’s contract veterinarian, Animal Welfare remains under quarantine until lab results are received. This is a precautionary measure until it is determined how the two dogs died, and whether or not other dogs are at risk. At the suggestion of the inspector and veterinarian, another sample is being sent today for testing, all air filters are being changed, and dogs showing clinical signs have been euthanized. All other dogs not showing signs are being vaccinated. Should the lab results test positive for canine distemper, all dogs will be euthanized due to the severity of the illness and its communicability. As part of the visit, the inspector completed a Companion Animal Report and rated all items as passing. This includes housekeeping, lighting, temperature control, ventilation, space requirements, drainage, record keeping, storage, pest control sanitation, waste disposal, food & water, tethering, euthanasia, humane care, and more. A quarantine at the facility means the shelter is closed and no animals are admitted. Only animals with owners will be released and only after they have been provided a notification disclosure stating the animal may have possibly been exposed to do distemper during its stay. The notice also encourages the owner to have the animal checked by a veterinarian. All animals in the shelter will be held and observed and vaccinated, and staff will follow all veterinary and state inspector instructions. About Canine Distemper Canine Distemper is a highly contagious, viral disease which is often fatal. It effects the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and central nervous systems. At this time, there is no cure for the actual virus which causes canine Distemper. Treatment is supportive, and vaccination is the best way to prevent it. The many signs of dog distemper are not always typical. Symptoms may include: fever 103-106 degrees Fahrenheit, loss of appetite, depression, cough, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, eye inflammation, and pneumonia. Neurological symptoms can also manifest, such as seizures, muscle twitching, deterioration of mental abilities, loss of motor skills, complete or partial paralysis, and increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Symptoms become more serious and noticeable as the disease progresses, and they can be exacerbated by secondary bacterial infections. Canine Distemper is contracted primarily through airborne viral articles that the dog breathes. Infected dogs shed the virus through bodily secretions such as respiratory secretions, and urine and feces. Dogs can contract the virus by direct contact with kennels, bedding, toys, or other objects that have been exposed hold the virus, or by direct contact with urine, feces, or secretions from infected dogs. During the recovery period (which can last several weeks) dogs can still shed the virus even if all symptoms have disappeared. Once fully recovered, previously infected dogs no longer shed the virus.
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:33:33 +0000
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