Canine distemper virus: Ventura County veterinarians advise vaccines in wake of outbreak

Veterinarians are encouraging local residents to check their pets’ vaccination records after state officials warned of the spread of canine distemper among wild animals statewide. 

The virus is potentially fatal to dogs and other infected animals and can be carried by several wild mammal species, including skunks, foxes and raccoons. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife warned this week of an “unusually high” increase in cases among wildlife. 

The virus can be transmitted through inhalation of respiratory droplets or saliva, similar to the common cold, and occasionally through other body fluids. If wild animals get into pets’ food and water bowls, the virus can be transmitted.

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“Wild animals can spread distemper to domestic dogs, but unvaccinated domestic dogs can also spread the disease to wild animals,” California Department of Fish and Wildlife veterinarian Deana Clifford said in a statement.

As a result, keeping dogs up to date on vaccinations not only protects pets, but also protects wildlife, Clifford said. 

Humans can’t catch the disease.

Lowell Novy, a veterinarian at Simi Animal Hospital, said canine distemper vaccines are so effective that it’s been years since he’s treated a case from Ventura County, although occasional cases have come in from Los Angeles County and elsewhere.

“We have not seen any increases in endemic populations at this time,” Novy said.

Veterinarian Marianne Regnier of the Ventura Veterinary Hospital provided some tips on how to protect pets.

“My recommendation is to make sure your dog is protected and stay away from wildlife areas where wild canines may be carrying the virus,” Regnier said in an email. “See your veterinarian for advice on vaccines.”

The disease can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological issues in infected animals. Symptoms can include fever, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, incoordination, moving in small circles, anorexia, yellow or clear discharge from the nose and eyes, and crusting on the nose, eyes, mouth or footpads.

While the disease can be present at any time of the year, it tends to be more common in adult animals in the winter and infant animals during spring and summer, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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Treatment for infected animals consists of supportive care, and they may or may not survive. Animals can spread the virus for up to 90 days after infection, even without displaying clinical symptoms.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife advises the public to stay away from sick or injured wild animals, as they may behave aggressively.

For questions about canine distemper virus or to report sick animals, call the department’s wildlife investigations laboratory at 916-658-2790.

Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached by calling 805-437-0208 or emailing jeremy.childs@vcstar.com.

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