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Distemper Remains a Threat for Pinellas County
Pinellas County Animal Services remains continuously on the lookout for signs of the distemper virus in dogs. Pinellas is among the many Florida counties that have experienced cases of this deadly canine disease and Animal Services has implemented stringent measures to help prevent future cases. Unfortunately, for Pinellas County as well as every other location where the virus smolders in local wildlife, the question remains when, not if, this deadly virus will reemerge as a major problem in unvaccinated dogs.
Canine distemper virus is carried by wild animals, such a raccoons, foxes and coyotes and is easily transmittable to unvaccinated dogs running at large. The virus looks like a common cold or kennel cough at the beginning of an infection but can quickly progress to pneumonia and death. It is not transmissible to cats or humans. While puppies are at the greatest risk, the disease is also transmissible to adult dogs and ferrets. In consideration of this threat, it is more important than ever for pet owners to keep their pets well vaccinated and safely confined where they won’t come in contact with unvaccinated or sick animals. Distemper is typically included in vaccinations that veterinarians routinely give domestic dogs.
Pet owners with questions about their pet’s vaccination status should consult with their veterinarians and ensure that their pets are protected.
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