Pitt County Government

December 1, 2009

Animal Shelter Reports Cases of Canine Distemper

The Pitt County Animal Shelter has learned of several cases of canine distemper affecting dogs and puppies in Pitt County. Dr. Linda Kuhn, DVM, of East Carolina Veterinary Clinic, advised she has not seen distemper in our area for over 20 years due to successful vaccine programs.

This potentially deadly but preventable disease, found in dogs, puppies, ferrets, and raccoons, is a highly contagious viral infection. It is not transmissible to humans and domestic cats are not at risk.

The Animal Shelter is working to combat this disease from within. The shelter has consulted with both local and state veterinarians to ensure its health-monitoring system and disinfection procedures prevent this community-wide problem from affecting animals already located in the shelter. Animal Shelter Director Michele Whaley would like to remind the public that animals that come into the Animal Shelter from the community could put shelter animals at risk.

Dog owners are urged to take the following steps to protect their dogs from this deadly disease:
• Make sure your dog or puppy is current on all vaccinations, including the vaccination for distemper
• Keep your pet away from the feces of other dogs
• Remove animal feces from your yard frequently
• Keep food bowls and animal bedding clean
• Do not take unvaccinated animals to public areas such as parks or pet stores

The Pitt County Animal Shelter advises pet owners to watch their dogs carefully for symptoms of distemper. Symptoms can include diarrhea, loss of appetite, and upper respiratory symptoms often associated with kennel cough, such as nasal/eye discharge. Seek veterinary care as soon as symptoms appear.

During the holiday season, the Shelter would like to stress to pet owners to please be aware that their pets need yearly vaccinations to be properly protected from this and other diseases.

For more information, call Pitt County Animal Shelter Director Michele Whaley at 252.902.1725.



Kiara Jones
Director of Public Information & Media Relations
Office of Public Information
252.902.2955