52 Dogs Euthanized in Distemper Outbreak
The Franklin Co. Dog Shelter has euthanized 52 dogs this weekend after at least one of them was found to have distemper.
The shelter was closed all weekend but will be open today for those that have lost a dog. The shelter has said “it considers all dogs to have been exposed to the virus.” According to NBC4i.
Sadly, the 52 dogs who were euthanized were, “showing severe clinical signs of respiratory disease combined with other physical, mental and emotional factors which would make an extended quarantine inhumane.” The shelter said in a press release. They did not say whether there are plans for further euthanization.
The American Veterinary Medical Association describes canine distemper as a “Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs.”
“Puppies and dogs most often become infected through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) to the virus from an infected dog or wild animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months, and mother dogs can pass the virus through the placenta to their puppies.”
According to the AVMA there is no known cure for the infection; and it is often fatal.
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