Dogs Threatened By Distemper Outbreak

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30447, 22 May 1964, Page 8

Dogs Threatened By Distemper Outbreak

Dogs in Christchurch are succumbing to distemper, of which there is a widespread outbreak. The virus causing the disease has no effect on humans, or on most animals other than dogs. “We have seen a large number of dogs lately with this terrible disease. Sometimes dog-owners do not recognise the symptoms until' too late,” a veterinarian said yesterday. “In the first stage, the dog often appears to have a slight cold, with running at the eyes and nose, listlessness, and loss of appetite.

“The most effective counter is vaccination, and many owners get their dogs vaccinated

as a matter of course, even when the disease is not prevalent. “But vaccination, takes 10 days to a fortnight to give protection. With dogs which have been in contact with the disease, or in puppies under three months old which are too young to be vaccinated, a shot of distemper antiserum will give immediate protection.”

All breeds of dogs were equally liable to distemper, he added. Closely related species such as foxes were also susceptible; among animals in New Zealand mustelids (ferrets, stoats, and weasels) were at risk. Young animals were particularly susceptible.