Dozens of dogs have been infected by canine distemper at the Moose Lake First Nation, south of The Pas.
Save A Dog Network Canada, out of Winnipeg, says they have received reports that 40 dogs have died from the virus, with another 50 dogs infected.
Distemper is an extremely contagious virus that affects the nervous, digestive, and respiratory system of infected animals.
Dr. Roxanne Neufeld, with the Dauphin Vet Clinic, says that distemper starts out with runny eyes, and a runny nose, then 1-3 weeks later; the infected animal will start having seizures, and have difficulty walking.
Save A Dog blames the outbreak on the lack of affordable vet care and vaccinations available in remote communities.
The outbreak at Moose Lake is the worst outbreak in a single community, that anyone who works for Save A Dog has ever seen.
If the outbreak continues to spread, the rescue organization says that the virus has the potential to wipe out “thousands” of dogs.
Another concern with the outbreak is the possibility of it spreading to wildlife – like foxes, coyotes, wolves, ferrets, skunks, and raccoons.
When it comes to the spread of the virus, Dr. Neufeld says that any dog that has been properly vaccinated has a good level of protection against viruses like distemper.
There is an emergency vet team scheduled to visit Moose Lake to vaccinate the dogs that can be saved, and euthanize the ones that can’t.
Dr. Neufeld adds that, while your dog may be properly vaccinated, it is a good idea to keep them away from any dog that is looking or acting sick.
