Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  Distemper Outbreak?

    Posted 06-12-2021 11:03 AM
    We have a long relationship with the rescues in Western NE but recently we have had several dogs and nursing moms come in with Distemper.  They are typically vaccinated before transport.   Two litters have had to be euthanized, so far.   And several adult or older puppies showed symptoms but most pulled through with medical care.   The distemper strain has been identified as one carried by wildlife.  Obviously, we would like to avoid this occurring again but we're looking for ideas on how to limit the risk so we can continue to help these rescues.   

    Does anyone have any information about this type of distemper and now to protect our transported animals?  

    Thanks!
    #EducationandTraining
    #Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
    #TransfersandTransport

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    Tisa McKim
    Town and Country Humane Society
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  • 2.  RE: Distemper Outbreak?

    Posted 06-14-2021 11:44 AM
    Hi Tisa,

    I'm so sorry you're running into distemper with your transfers. I don't have answers to your specific questions, but this article came to mind: https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2021/05/20/101-distemper-puppies-how-a-chicago-shelter-got-it-wright/.  If you'd like to reach out UF directly, here's where you can find more info: https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/shelter-services/disease-management/. Cornell University (https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/maddies-shelter-medicine-program/maddies-shelter-lab-subsidized-diagnostics-animal-shelters) and University of Wisconsin-Madison (https://www.uwsheltermedicine.com/shelter-support) also offer consultation support. Any of them might have more insight into your specific questions.

    Thank you for all you do for the animals!

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    Shelly Thompson
    Maddie's Fund
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  • 3.  RE: Distemper Outbreak?

    Posted 06-14-2021 06:49 PM
    The first article is great and provides hope but no details.    " She explained how to separate the ones who were negative, from the ones who tested positive, from the ones who were high positive, and how to very aggressively treat the ones who had any symptoms."     We need to know how they were treated.  And do we have any chance with newborn puppies?






  • 4.  RE: Distemper Outbreak?

    Posted 06-15-2021 08:51 AM
    Hi Tisa! I would encourage you to reach out to one of the shelter medicine programs I included, depending on where you live. Cornell has specific states they assist with, not sure about UF and UW-M. I'm confident they'll be able to answer your questions.

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    Shelly Thompson
    Maddie's Fund
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  • 5.  RE: Distemper Outbreak?

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 06-15-2021 11:24 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Our shelter had an outbreak of distemper a few years ago.  University of Wisconsin was helpful with helping us test and quarantine advice.  We rented a vacant vets office to keep exposed dogs separate from new dogs coming in.


  • 6.  RE: Distemper Outbreak?

    Posted 06-15-2021 09:47 AM
    Watching for illness closely at intake is important. Becoming very familiar with distemper symptoms (URI, kennel cough, diarrhea, dry eye, dandruff, skin issues, etc) so they can be identified at intake and not placed in regular intake kennels. Getting an accurate surrender reason (what we are told is often not the real reason) and ruling out medical. 

    Are the dogs still scheduled to go out on transport? You can look at the length of stay and vaccine status to determine if they are at high or low risk. 



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    Jordana Moerbe
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