Parvo And Distemper Outbreaks Affect El Paso Animals

The City of El Paso Animal Services has released information about an outbreak of two deadly canine diseases happening in El Paso. Find out the symptoms of both and how to prevent your dog from getting them.

City of El Paso Animal Services Facebook

The City of El Paso Animal Services has released a press announcement about the recent outbreak of Parvo and Distemper in the area. Parvo is a highly contagious disease that can turn into a life-threatening illness. Distemper is a virus that affects a dog's gastrointestinal, nervous and respiratory system as well as their eyes. Distemper can also be fatal. According to Dr. Marilyn Christensen, the director of the City of El Paso Animal Services, this happens when the temperatures are in the low 80s, so there is a spike in cases just before and just after summer. There have been a lot of cases of both viruses coming into the shelter, having been exposed to the diseases in the community. Animal Services said that "shelter animals frequently predict and mimic what is going on in the general population of area pets." Having the animals around each other and in such close quarters, the diseases can spread in the shelters. The shelter has implemented procedures to quarantine, move and clean to reduce the spread of diseases.

How can you protect your pooch?

VACCINATE! Make sure your dogs are up to date with their vaccinations. Also, make sure you are cleaning and disinfecting your home and dog's kennel. Also, use extra caution when allowing your dog to play in a public environment. Some dogs could be harboring the diseases, but not show any symptoms.

There are ways to protect your animals from these diseases, and the City of El Paso is trying to help the community protect the animals in the area. The shelter vaccinates the animals that are adopted out and spays or neuters the animals. If you would like to adopt one of their animals, the City of El Paso Animal Services Shelter is open daily!

For more information on how to rescue one of their animals (we're talking dogs, cats, bunnies and more!), call (915) 842-1000 or visit their website.

Find out more on Parvo like the symptoms, how it is transmitted, what dogs are prone to Parvo and how it is treated through the ASPCA. Find out more on Distemper through the ASPCA website.

Filed Under: animals, el paso, lisa

Categories: Local / El Paso, Local / Texas, Public Service / Charity