No new cases of distemper at Sandton SPCA

Pet-owners around the country have been worried about the recent outbreak of distemper, which can be deadly to your beloved dog.

The outbreak has spread around the country with various animal welfare organisations, including the Sandton SPCA, reporting cases of the virus. Some organisations including the Friends of Rescue Animals have had to go into quarantine to prevent the virus from spreading.

The Sandton Chronicle previously reported about the distemper outbreak in Make sure your animals are vaccinated, Week ending 8 February, and the former general manager of the Sandton SPCA said 10 cases had been reported to them.

According to Lindiwe Mkhondwane, the acting general manager at the Sandton SPCA, the outbreak has been contained and the Sandton SPCA has not really been affected by the outbreak.

“I have spoken to our vet and she has confirmed that no further cases of distemper have been reported.”

Pet-owners are encouraged to take note of their pet’s symptoms which include fever, eye inflammation, nasal discharge, vomiting and diarrhoea and hardening of nose and foot pads.

Distemper is considered contagious and can be deadly to dogs once they have contracted the virus. The virus can be passed along through direct contact with fresh urine, blood or saliva. Sneezing, coughing and sharing food and water bowls are also ways which the virus may be passed on.

If you have noticed symptoms in your animal it is advisable that you rush them to the vet as soon as possible so that they can be treated as aggressively as possible. Although there is no cure for this very serious disease, it can be prevented if your dog is properly vaccinated. Details: Sandton SPCA 011 444 7730.

Has your pet been affected by the distemper outbreak? Share your story on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page

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https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/219262/vaccinate-against-distemper/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/214712/message-from-the-sandton-spca/