Muscatine animal shelter dealing with Canine Distemper Virus

An animal rescue group in Muscatine is dealing with an outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus.

Supporters of It Takes A Village recently received an email from the group, detailing the outbreak.

“We have an emergent situation that continues at our shelter….with many symptomatic dogs, and two positive Canine Distemper Virus tests so far, we continue to be in an absolute state of quarantine,” the email said. “Our immediate concern is to provide treatment for the sick animals in our care, as well as doing our best to protect other animals from any spread, both in our shelter and beyond. We still have multiple dogs in very serious condition, receiving constant veterinary care, and it has now claimed the lives of several adults and young, sweet puppies. Our hearts are absolutely broken.”

The Canine Distemper Virus is highly contagious and while the group vaccinates all their dogs, it can still spread in the shelter. In healthy adult dogs that have been fully vaccinated, the vaccination is very effective and the risk is minimal. But young puppies that haven’t gotten all of their boosters, ill or heartworm positive pups, or those with comorbidities are at the greatest risk. The shelter is working hard to save as many dogs as possible.

The shelter has taken these steps to avoid spreading Canine Distemper Virus:

• All intakes of stray or surrendered dogs has been halted

• All dog adoptions have been halted for at least 14 days and the shelter, as well as the training facility and clinic, have been closed to the public

• All transfers have been halted

• Deep cleaning and extensive disease transmission prevention protocols are in place

• All dogs are being monitored and any with determined exposure is being tested

Canine Distemper Virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs, ferrets and some wildlife species including raccoons and skunks. The virus can be fatal and is primarily spread through airborne exposure such as sneezing, coughing or barking. It can also spread through shared food and water bowls and other items. Symptoms include pus discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting and even neurological presentations.

“During an emergency like this, a shelter is the most dangerous place for a dog,” the email said. “Many dogs in the It Takes A Village shelter have not been housed in the same units or rooms as the symptomatic dogs. These dogs can be moved into foster homes with minimal risk if all pets in the home are current on their DAPPv vaccinations.” Click here to volunteer to be an emergency foster home for these dogs.

“Multiple pups have been undergoing supportive treatments during hospitalization,” the email said. “The laboratory testing that we are doing for every symptomatic pup is nearly $1,000 per round, but it is an imperative part of our effort to get control of this situation as quickly and effectively as possible.”

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