Canine Distemper
Kannur: Just like Covid and its various variants affect human beings, a virus called ‘Canine Distemper’ is preying on dogs. Both are spread by viruses. According to the Animal Husbandry Department, the disease is killing dogs in many parts of the state.
The disease also infects foxes, wolves and weasels. This is not a new disease. The outbreak has been rampant since last May, said the district animal protection officer, MP Gireesh Babu said.
The major symptom of this disease is a high fever that lasts for days followed by lack of intake of food, vomiting, diarrhoea and shivering. A yellowish discharge from the nose and eyes is also observed among infected dogs. The legs of the dogs will go wobbly and paralysed. Once the disease is acute, treatment is not effective. The disease mainly affects puppies and aged dogs.
Vaccination is available for canine distemper but it is not available at any government veterinary hospitals. A single dose costs around Rs 550-600. Vaccines against five diseases including canine distemper are given together. Hence, the dogs must be taken for the jab every year.
Although it can spread rapidly in dogs, but not transmitted to humans. The disease is caused by a virus in the Paramyxo family that causes measles in humans.
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