Buncombe County Distemper Alert

Buncombe County -- September 11, 2024: The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Distemper Alert There’s been an uptick

in distemper cases affecting pets and wild animals in our area. This highly contagious virus can be confused with rabies because both may cause mouth foaming and neurological issues. However, distemper targets the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, leading to symptoms like coughing, fever, lethargy, and seizures.

Keep your pets safe by staying up-to-date on vaccinations, avoiding wildlife, and watching for signs of illness. If your pet shows any symptoms, including mouth foaming, contact your vet immediately!
Prevention is key—let's protect our pets and wildlife.

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both pets, particularly dogs, and wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. It is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which is part of the Morbillivirus family. The virus primarily attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

Spread: Distemper spreads through direct contact with infected animals or exposure to their bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, and feces. It can also be transmitted through airborne particles, such as sneezes or coughs. The virus is especially prevalent in areas with high populations of unvaccinated animals.

Prevention: The best prevention method is vaccination. Regular vaccinations for pets, especially puppies and young dogs, are crucial to building immunity against distemper. Wildlife populations can be protected through conservation efforts and monitoring for outbreaks. Additionally, keeping pets away from potentially infected wildlife and maintaining a clean environment can help reduce the risk of exposure.

Ensuring proper hygiene and avoiding contact with infected animals are key measures to prevent the spread of distemper in both pets and wildlife.
 
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