Staff reports
Thursday, the city of Whitesboro released information about a distemper outbreak in the city. In a news release, city officials said they are actively monitoring an outbreak of distemper among cats and kittens in several neighborhoods around the city.
For some animals the illness has been severe.
“If you believe your pet may be infected or see signs of illness in the community, contact your veterinarian immediately,” the release said. “Please notify Animal Control if you have confirmed or suspected cases — this helps us track and contain the spread.”
Some of the affected areas in the city include Boston, Collinsville, North Jordan and Tipton streets.
Individuals in those areas and others should be on the look out for animals with crusty discharge sealing eyelids; aggression, disorientation or lack of alertness; seizure-like movements; aimless wandering; eye and nose discharge; labored breathing; and neurological signs similar to rabies.
If you notice these symptoms in isolation or in combination, seek veterinary assistance.
To prevent the spread of the illness, vaccinate pets, avoid leaving food and water outside where it can attract sick or feral animals and report any suspected cases to an area vet or animal control.
“Let’s work together to keep our community and our animals safe,” the release concluded. “Thank you for your attention and care.”
Distemper is transmitted through the mucous membrane of an infected animal and can also be transmitted through contaminated water sources. Once the disease infects a host, it works its way through the multiple organs before finally targeting the central nervous system.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea alongside a thick yellow discharge from the animal’s nose and eyes. Sneezing and a cough are also common symptoms. Late-stage symptoms include seizures and ultimately death.
Since its launch a decade ago, the Denison Animal Welfare Group has seen a small number of suspected distemper cases come through the shelter.
“One thing about distemper is that it is very hard to confirm it,” DAWG President Stephanie Phillips said previously. “They do PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, but this test can also detect a response to the vaccine. So, it’s pretty difficult to get actually confirmed.”
Outside of distemper, Phillips said parvovirus is another disease that is a recurring concern locally. However, the vaccine for the disease is often included alongside distemper within the same vaccine.
“Parvo is always the worry and the one we deal with the most,” Phillips said. “I can say that I’ve handled 10,000 dogs… and I can count on one hand the number of dogs that we’ve had with distemper. Two or three out of every five puppies gets parvo, and we have to deal with it constantly.”
For more information about the outbreak in Whitesboro or to make a report, call 903-564-4000 or call the after-hours non-emergency number 903-564-3585.
