It may be viewed as a snowbird paradise—Fort Desoto Park in Florida’s Pinellas County is a magnet for RVers. With 238 RV sites, it attracts a big crowd, and some of those have dogs. But beware! Dog distemper, more properly, canine distemper, has been found at the park.
“All dogs are at risk of canine distemper”
County parks officials confirmed the finding of canine distemper. It’s a highly contagious and frequently deadly disease. It’s a serious issue. “The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs,” says a statement from the American Veterinary Medical Association. “All dogs are at risk of canine distemper. Those at particular risk include puppies younger than four months and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper virus.”
Notices were posted at Fort Desoto by county park officials late last week. The tip-off to the problem was raccoons in the park acting strangely. They, like some other mammals, are susceptible to the virus. So far there are no reports of dogs affected, but park officials are warning campers and other visitors to beware and avoid wildlife. Those with food or water dishes for their pets are urged to keep them inside to avoid the potential for infected animals from possibly contaminating the utensils.
Dog distemper kills one out of two infected animals, but the odds of survival are bettered for those that are vaccinated against it.
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Good information! It is much more likely that the majority of raccoons seen wandering around in the daytime acting sick have distemper, not rabies.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Just when I was wishing we were in Florida rather than under snow and ice, you make me glad to have snow and ice here. 🙂 Thank you! 🙂
I hope all dog owners already have them vaccinated for distemper and other common diseases that are completely preventable.
It is my understanding that even vaccinated canines can contract distemper, though vaccination usually greatly improves survivability. Good articles on the topic are available.
I’m sure studies vary but an NIH study showed no mortality and > 90% efficacy FOUR YEARS after vaccination…and that’s in a lab where they intentionally infected them.
You are correct…no vaccine is always 100%, but if vaccinated for distemper, risk appears to be very low. Hence my comment that I hope owners are properly vaccinating their dogs (and cats).
I have taken to avoiding dog runs in locations with highly transient guests. Not everyone tends as well to their dogs’ healthcare. And based on admittedly just my own observations, even if picked up, the odds of a dog getting sick is in direct proportion to how many different dogs have been in the same place.
In a long term park, there are fewer different dogs and word of a sick dog spreads quickly. Precautions can be implemented. Not as much exercise on a leash, but sure beats a sick dog.