Shimla MC issues advisory on canine distemper

Shimla, July 16

Canine distemper, a viral disease, is spreading amongst dogs in the state’s capital. Alerting people on the disease, the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) has advised them to take their to the nearest veterinary hospital in case they come across symptoms of the disease in dogs.

They have also been advised to inform the civic body or the Department of Animal Husbandry if they notice similar symptoms in stray dogs.

The MC officials said cases of canine distemper in stray as well as pet dogs had been increasing over the past few days. Canine distemper spreads mainly via direct contact with an infected animal and through airborne exposure.

The virus initially attacks the cells of the immune system, which weakens the immune response of the dogs, putting them at a higher risk of other infections.

Its symptoms include discharge from eyes and nose, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, head tilt, circling, seizures and muscle twitching. Unvaccinated dogs and puppies, under the age of four months, are most vulnerable to the virus.

According to the Shimla Municipal Corporation, there are around 2,500 stray dogs across the town.