HUNDREDS of dogs have been euthanised since August as canine distemper runs rampant through Jeffreys Bay.
With a severe spike in cases of distemper in the last two months and more reported on a daily basis, animal organisations are now warning of a threatening epidemic – urging owners to vaccinate their animals.
According to Jessica Naudé from the JBay Animal Rescue Sanctuary, the deadly and contagious virus, mostly affecting Ocean View and Pellsrus, has already killed over 380 dogs in the last two months – with the death toll expected to climb.
“To date, we have euthanised a total of 380 dogs suffering from distemper,” she says. “This does not include dogs that have died and been discarded at local landfill sites. Or those taken to veterinary practices.”
According to her, although more prevalent in the informal settlements, the virus has now spread to Wavecrest and surrounding areas.
“It is a crisis that needs immediate intervention,” says Naudé, who with the assistance of the JBay Animal Rescue Sanctuary, has vaccinated 620 dogs to date. “We urge all pet owners to have their dogs vaccinated as soon as possible, as the virus has the potential to wipe out thousands of dogs if it continues to spread.”
According to veterinarian Magdalena Lategan, Canine Distemper is an extremely contagious virus that is spread by direct contact with an infected dog or indirectly by conta-minated bedding, food bowls or people handling infected dogs.
“It causes severe illness by attacking multiple body systems – resulting in a widespread infection that is difficult to treat. The dog can appear lethargic with fever, vomiting, coughing and mucous coming from the nose and eyes. In the more severe stages, dogs show neurological symptoms such as head tilting, seizures, convulsions, muscle twitching and repetitive eye movements.”
There is no cure for distemper, says Lategan.
“Once diagnosed, care is purely supportive. Veterinarians treat the diarrhoea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms, prevent dehydration, and try to prevent secondary infections,” she says.
“The survival rate and length of infection depend on the strain of the virus and on the strength of the dog’s immune system. Some cases resolve in as quickly as 10 days. Other cases may exhibit neurological symptoms for weeks and even months afterwards.”
It is advised that infected dogs should be kept isolated and utensils, blankets and food bowls should be disinfected.
The best an owner can do is to make sure their dogs are vaccinated. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6, 9 and 12 weeks old and adult dogs should be vaccinated every year.
