Distemper outbreak in Chch dogs

Press, 13 March 1987, Page 5

Distemper outbreak in Chch dogs

An outbreak of distemper among dogs in Christchurch last month highlights the need for people to ensure their dogs are vaccinated regularly, says a Christchurch veterinarian.

Up to eight cases of distemper were recorded last month at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Animal Health Laboratory at Lincoln, according to a newsletter published by the Ministry, said Dr Euan Purdie. The veterinary investigation officer at the Lincoln laboratory, Dr Clint Allan, yesterday confirmed the outbreak.

Normally only one or

two cases a year were recorded at the laboratory, as Christchurch people were usually "quite well informed” about their dog’s health, he said. Dr Allan said there was no cause for alarm, however, as the virus, which affects the lungs and brain in dogs, could not be caught by humans.

The most recent outbreak of the virus, “might” indicate people were becoming a little careless in their attitude

to their pets’ health, he said.

Dr Purdie said eight cases might not seem many but it was a potentially dangerous situation because dogs that had not been vaccinated could easily catch the virus. People with vaccinated dogs did not need to worry, but the outbreak highlighted the need for people to check with their veterinarian whether their pets needed a vaccination or a booster. A vaccination costing about $2O was less expensive than the cost of treating distemper, which was up to $3OO. Often the treatment was unsuccess-

ful, or only temporary, and the symptoms recurred resulting in the eventual death of the animal, said Dr Purdie.

Symptoms of distemper included coughing, . discharge from the dog’s nose and vomiting. More advanced symptoms such as fits and convulsions often indicated brain damage. An open day will be held at the Hyde Park Veterinary Clinic in Withells Road on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, to promote awareness of animal health and to give a “behind the scenes look” at animal care.