CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY URGES PET OWNERS TO CHECK VACCINATIONS AFTER DISTEMPER OUTBREAK

Alert comes as shelter works to remedy distemper outbreak started by a community animal who was brought in for care.

CHARLESTON — In mid-October, a dog brought into the care of Charleston Animal Society tested positive for distemper, a highly contagious viral disease that attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Distemper can be fatal if a dog is not properly vaccinated.

Distemper vaccination is considered a core vaccine for dogs and is highly effective at preventing the disease. Puppies require an initial series of vaccinations, followed by boosters according to veterinary guidelines. Properly vaccinated dogs are generally protected against distemper, making vaccination one of the most important tools for preventing outbreaks.

Outbreaks of distemper are challenging because dogs can have the infection, yet show no obvious symptoms. Secondly, an estimated 60% of dogs entering shelters have no protective immunity to the virus, which makes them susceptible to the disease.

Because  distemper is highly contagious, Charleston Animal Society’s veterinary teams at both the Charleston and Berkeley campuses launched emergency protocols that included:

1. Identifying any animals at risk
2. Isolating any impacted animals in a quarantine area
3. Treating and monitoring dogs under quarantine
4. Temporarily suspending dog adoptions until the situation was assessed

Two dozen dogs tested positive for distemper during the outbreak. All emergency protocols continue at both campuses.

“Our priority remains to treat any dogs with symptoms, while also taking steps to protect the public by preventing the release of infected dogs back into the community,” said Charleston Animal Society Vice President and Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Lucy Fuller. “Our key message for the public is that vaccinations are key to preventing outbreaks like distemper. Please check and make sure all of your pets’ vaccinations are up to date.”

Any distemper exposure for dogs is documented before every shelter adoption along with adoption counseling on what symptoms to look for. Every animal at Charleston Animal Society receives vaccinations, a spay-neuter surgery and a microchip before adoption.