Cape distemper outbreak is a real worry

Are your pets’ vaccinations up to date? Dr Guy Fyvie, nutritional advisor at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, says, with the recent canine distemper virus outbreak this question should be top
of pet parents’ minds.

The virus is said to have originated with 10 cases in Hornlee near Knysna earlier this year and has now spread to the Western Cape. Almost 300 dogs were euthanised between March and August.

Says Fyvie. “If your dog hasn’t been vaccinated and comes into contact with an animal infected by distemper, it is at a very high risk of contracting the disease. There is also a possibility of the virus spreading by secondary contact or even airborne.”

Distemper is traditionally a young-dog disease but can easily affect older dogs that are not properly vaccinated.

Pets should be getting a yearly health check-up with vaccinations usually given at the same time. A general physical examination facilitates the early detection of several common conditions and diseases and is an opportunity to remind pet parents about parasite control and discuss skin disease management and sterilisation.

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