The cases of canine distemper virus are rising in Dakshina Kannada district. The dog owners in the district have been worried about the recent upsurge of canine distemper virus in the Dakshina Kannada district. Over the past few months, many dogs have lost their lives due to the virus.

Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects dogs' nervous systems. The Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Dr. Arun Kumar Shetty underscored the intensity of the viral disease.

Dr. Arun Kumar Shetty said that the veterinary hospitals across the district have recorded 1,619 cases of canine distemper virus between January and March. The canine distemper virus is a severe and highly infectious disease. It affects dogs' nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. The disease has been especially disastrous for street dogs, with many succumbing to its effects.

He also said that generally, 50 percent of the dogs die if they are infected with the disease, while others continue to show symptoms like stumbling even after recovery. Earlier, the spread of the infection was identified in various pockets of the district and recently the cases have surged due to its contagious nature. The canine distemper virus is spread through contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, respiratory droplets, blood, and urine. Immunization is only the major solution to protect the animals from the disease. But, presently the vaccine is not available in government veterinary hospitals. Further, due to logistics challenges, it is difficult to immunize stray dogs.

According to the official statistics, a greater number of canine distemper virus cases were recorded in Sullia, Bantwal, and Mangaluru taluks. In January, this year 433 cases were reported in the district, 582 cases in February, and 604 cases in March. Out of the total of 1,619 cases, Sullia taluk reported 378 cases while Ullal reported only 17 cases of canine distemper virus.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease which is caused by canine distemper virus. The virus impacts the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. The virus can also infect ferrets and several wildlife species such as foxes, wolves, raccoons, and skunks.

The symptoms of the infection include fever, discharge from the eye and nose, coughing, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. The infected dogs exhibit neurological symptoms such as walking in circles, head tilt, lack of coordination, seizures, muscle twitches, drooling, and partial or complete paralysis.

References:

1.  https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-distemper

(Input from various sources) 

(Rehash/Lavanya Beeraboina/MSM)