Spread of canine distemper, contagious and serious viral fever among pet dogs

PATHANAMTHITTA: Serious viral fever(Canine distemper) is being spread among the dogs. Several pet dogs died Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Kannur districts due to this fever. Veterinarians believe the disease may have been transmitted from stray dogs to domestic dogs. It is not transmitted to humans or livestock.

Fever that lasts for two or three days with vomiting and diarrhea affects the brain and can lead to loss of life. The symptoms include refusal to eat food and showing tiredness. If not treated in time, it can cause death. Six pet dogs that were brought to the hospital in Pathanamthitta within two weeks have died. Distemper spreads through air.

Megavac, a vaccine for dogs, is not available at veterinary hospitals. Doses in medical stores range from Rs 500 to Rs 700. Most people does not give them to pet dogs due to high cost. The rabies vaccine available at veterinary hospitals will not prevent this disease.