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PACC Sounds Alarm on Distemper Outbreak, Urges All Dogs at Shelter to Get Revaccinated
The Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is launching an urgent vaccination campaign in response to an upsurge in canine distemper cases among shelter dogs. This initiative will involve revaccinating all dogs at the facility and providing vaccines for stray dogs temporarily housed by residents.
PACC Director Steve Kozachik reported a troubling trend, stating, “Anecdotally, we’re seeing a high percentage of strays with distemper; much higher than normal.” The decision to enhance vaccination efforts was announced on Friday, coinciding with a confirmed distemper case at the shelter. Over the weekend, a second dog was diagnosed with the illness.
All dogs at the Pima County animal shelter, located on North Silverbell Road, will receive revaccination against distemper. Residents who find stray dogs are encouraged to bring them to PACC for vaccinations and to hold the dogs for 72 hours to give the vaccine the best chance to be effective. This strategy aims to alleviate shelter overcrowding, as PACC has been asking finders to keep strays at home when possible.
For those uncertain about the vaccination status of their pets, PACC offers the vaccine for all dogs in a household. Canine distemper poses serious health risks, affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Kozachik described the virus’s progression, noting it often starts with mild upper respiratory symptoms but can lead to severe complications, particularly in puppies and immune-compromised dogs.
As a precaution, Kozachik emphasized the importance of vaccinating pets regularly and advised dog owners to avoid areas where their dogs may encounter wildlife, such as javelina and coyotes. He cautioned against allowing dogs to roam freely in unsecured areas to minimize risks of exposure. In addition, PACC is limiting playgroups at the shelter to small groups to prevent cross-infection among dogs.
As of now, the shelter is accommodating approximately 500 dogs, exceeding its intended capacity by 100. The enhancements to vaccination efforts are critical to safeguarding both the shelter population and the broader community from the threat of canine distemper.
