2023-10-15 05:20:33
Photo: pixabay.com/Mirko Sajkov (Symbolfoto)
In recent weeks, hunters in the Lüchow-Dannenberg district have increasingly reported foxes with behavioral problems to the veterinary office. The distemper virus was detected in one case. The veterinary office now advises all dog owners to have their pets vaccinated from the 8th week of life. Young puppies between the ages of three and six months are particularly affected. But unborn puppies can also become infected with the distemper virus in the womb. However, even older furry friends are not immune to the virus. Facebook calls for this information split.
The distemper virus is repeatedly detected in wild animals such as foxes, badgers, martens, polecats, weasels, otters, wolves and, increasingly, raccoons. But foxes, martens and raccoons in particular are viewed as so-called “pathogen reservoirs” for the distemper virus. These wild animals are often found near human habitation because of the abundance of food available and their ability to learn and adapt quickly. Furry friends who are not sufficiently immunized can quickly become infected with the virus not only during walks in the forest, but also in their home territory.
Only rabies is more dangerous than the distemper virus
Distemper is one of the most feared viral diseases among dog owners. The disease is not only highly contagious, it is also usually fatal. Only dogs infected with rabies are more likely to die. In contrast to rabies, the distemper virus is harmless to us humans.
The disease in furry friends is caused by the “Canine Distemper Virus” (CDV). It belongs to the family of “paramyxoviruses” and is therefore closely related to the human measles virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, nasal or eye secretions, feces or urine of infected animals. Our four-legged friends can therefore become infected directly through these excretions by licking each other or through droplet infection. Infected animals, contaminated food or water and even contaminated clothing can also cause the virus to be absorbed.
Signs of illness
After the virus enters the four-legged friend’s body via the mucous membrane of the mouth or nose, it can attack the digestive system, the nervous system, the respiratory system or all urinary or sexual organs. Symptoms of illness include: high fever up to 41 degrees, loss of appetite, lethargy, nasal and eye discharge, vomiting, watery, bloody diarrhea, sneezing, coughing or shortness of breath. But neurological symptoms such as muscle tremors, blindness and even epileptic seizures can also be signs of the distemper virus. Conjunctivitis is also a common symptom. If you notice such signs in your four-legged friend, a rapid test at the vet can lead to a reliable diagnosis of distemper within a very short time.
Early vaccination is the only effective protection
Veterinarians recommend that puppies be prophylactically immunized against the distemper virus as early as the eighth, twelfth and 16th weeks of life and then again in the 15th or 16th month of life. With these vaccinations the basic immunization is completed; further booster vaccinations must then be carried out every three years.
To date, there is no effective antiviral therapy. Intravenous infections can at most compensate for the loss of fluid and electrolytes caused by vomiting or diarrhea and thus alleviate the accompanying illnesses. The success of a vaccination after the outbreak of the disease is therefore more than questionable.
The distemper virus is resistant to low temperatures for years and survives sunlight for up to 14 hours. However, higher temperatures or the use of common disinfectants kill it quickly. Cleaning everyday textiles for 30 minutes at at least 56 degrees, disinfecting dog accessories, regularly washing and disinfecting hands, and isolating a sick four-legged friend can protect against the spread of the virus infection.
Photo: pixabay.com/JonPauling (Symbolfoto)
The occurrence of this infectious disease has actually been significantly reduced in recent years through regular vaccinations. However, an increase in cases of distemper, including in dogs, is being recorded across Europe. This is partly due to the owners’ vaccination fatigue, but above all because puppies are bought unvaccinated or already infected from dubious sources abroad.
Reputable breeders immunize the little four-legged friends against distemper hepatitis, parvovirus and in the 8th week of life Leptospirosis. Be sure to pay attention to these vaccination certificates if you want to take a little animal roommate home with you.
If you want to adopt a furry friend from the animal shelter, you can assume that your new animal roommate is vaccinated accordingly. If you are unsure, ask the nurse. You will also receive the vaccination certificate when you pick up your four-legged friend EU pet passport handed out, which then provides information about the furry friend’s current vaccination status.
Even if you are critical of vaccinations and fear that your four-legged friend will suffer health problems as a result of immunization, there are vaccinations that offer effective and proven protection and thus prevent the disease from progressing dramatically. Check the current status using your vaccination certificate and catch up on any missing vaccinations. Your new best friend will thank you.
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