Wenatchee Valley Humane Society Says Distemper Found in Shelter

The Wenatchee Valley Humane Society says two of the dogs they received after a hoarding care in Texas tested positive for the distemper virus.

One had their health decline rapidly enough that they had to be humanely euthanized.

The other is undergoing treatment.

The Humane Society says they are reaching to any pet owners they believe could have dogs that were exposed to the virus.

Executive Director Dawn Davies says distemper is rare in our area, but that they have been assured by the WSU School of Veterinary Medicine that they are following the proper protocols.

Davies also stressed that it is critical to get your pets vaccinated to protect them against diseases.

Here's the full press release from WVHS:

Precautionary measures are being taken at Wenatchee Valley
Humane Society (WVHS) after two dogs tested positive for the distemper virus.
As a result, WVHS medical team and staff have diligently reviewed canine intake
dates and cross referenced them with vaccination history. Dogs at the shelter
who may have been exposed to the distemper virus will be titer tested to
evaluate level of protection.  For now, they are quarantined pending
results.   WVHS is attempting to contact pet owners with the highest
risk of exposure to inform them that their dog may have been exposed.

The two dogs that tested positive for canine distemper were
two of six dogs rescued from a hoarding case in Texas on Jan 7, 2020. The Texas
rescue group provided medical care, vaccinations, flea and tick medication,
heartworm tests, and provided spay/neuter services. Symptoms were not present
during a pre-transport medical exam and each dog received a clean bill of
health prior to transport to Washington State on Feb 8, 2020, a full month after
they were rescued.

It is WVHS policy that every animal, including those
transported, receive a full examination and vaccinations upon arrival. The
Texas dogs did not show illness upon arrival, but five days later, six dogs
showed signs of "kennel cough,” a common illness much like a human cold,
and the dogs were moved into isolation.  A week later, one dog began
having neurologic signs, declining quite rapidly, which led to her being
humanely euthanized. Test results received on February 28, 2020 confirmed the
distemper virus. The second dog was tested after it started to show progressive
signs, and test results came back yesterday, also positive for the virus.

“Distemper is rare in our area, so we were surprised by the
unexpected test results.” Dawn Davies, Executive Director of WVHS,
explains.  “We’ve reached out to Washington State University School of
Veterinary Medicine and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Shelter Medicine
Program to confirm protocol.  We have been assured that we are taking all
of the right steps, being cautious and emphasized that this is not an
outbreak.”

Dog in a hoarding situation are at a disadvantage. 
Their immune systems are compromised from living in less than sanitary
conditions and these dogs were likely exposed to the virus prior to being
rescued and vaccinated in January. Puppies under four to six months are
considered high risk because their immune systems are not fully developed.
However, Davies cautions, the disease can be anywhere.

“Disease is always a risk at a shelter.  But, the same
risk exists wherever there are a group of dogs together, like the dog park or
agility trail.” states Davies. “Disease can spread through sharing a water
bowl, elimination is a public area, a runny nose touching another nose, and on
and on.”   

“We are reaching out to our local veterinarian partners to
inform them of the possibility of distemper so they can make informed
recommendations to clients,” Davies says, “For instance, if you take your dog
to the vet for a cough or vomiting, they may also choose to do a titer test for
distemper.” 

“Many decades ago, a virus like distemper could have wiped
out an entire community of pets.  Thanks to extremely effective
vaccinations, the risk is low and it is the best defense that you can give your
pet.” continues Davies, “It’s sort of like polio in humans. Why take the risk
when there is a vaccination that can protect our health?”

If your dog has been exposed to a WVHS shelter dog between
the dates of February 8-28^th, you are encouraged to call WVHS at
509-662-9577 or talk to your veterinarian about any potential risk and
available tests as well as confirming that your pets’ vaccinations are current.

Despite the limited quarantine, overall risk is
low and the shelter is open as usual.