MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Memphis Animal Services (MAS) announced Friday afternoon that the city shelter has made the difficult decision to move forward with euthanizing dozens of dogs that were exposed to canine distemper (CDV) after consulting with outside shelter medicine experts.
MAS says the shelter is facing the outbreak in three of its 11 kennel rooms, and that the disease was traced back to a litter of 11 puppies that was brought in on New Year’s Eve.
A week into the puppies’ stay, shelter officials say that one began showing symptoms of CDV, and further testing confirmed it.
“After careful consideration, extensive discussions, and outreach to national shelter medicine experts, MAS has made the difficult decision to move forward with euthanasia for the nearly 100 animals in the exposed rooms,” MAS stated in a release Friday.
A few previously-committed animals that were exposed to the deadly virus were allowed to be adopted out based on the adopter’s ability to safely quarantine the dog until it tests clear of infection, MAS officials say.
“It is with heavy hearts that we have to make this difficult decision,” stated Shelter manager Mary Claire Borys. “Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs and other animals; this measure has been taken to contain the spread of the virus, protect the health of the remaining animals in our care, and protect the Memphis community.”
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), CDV attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. All dogs are at risk of contracting the deadly disease.
The association says that in cases of canine distemper, about 1 in 2 dogs will die from their infection. Although dogs that survive will have lifelong immunity to CDV, “they usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.”
Those at particular risk include puppies younger than four months and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper virus, AVMA reports.
Canine distemper virus can infect not just dogs, but a wide range of other mammals, especially carnivores. These include several wildlife species such as foxes, wolves, raccoons, and skunks.
Cats also may become infected but are unlikely to get sick, according to AVMA.
MAS officials say immediate actions were taken to prevent further spread of the disease, including isolating animals, implementing increased sanitation protocols, and seeking additional medical support.
MAS will also reach out to fosters, adopters, and rescues who have taken in exposed animals through contact tracing.
“We urge all pet owners to keep their pets safe and healthy during this time,” reads MAS’ release.
MAS provided the following tips to prevent and spot distemper:
- Vaccination — Ensure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Distemper is preventable, and vaccinations are the best defense against this virus.
- Symptoms to watch for — If your pet shows signs like sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, or lethargy, please consult your veterinarian immediately.
- Keep distance — Limit interactions with unfamiliar animals, and avoid dog parks until the situation is resolved.
- Spread the word — Please share this message to help keep our community informed and our pets safe.
“We urge all pet owners to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date and to watch for symptoms—together, we can keep our pets safe!” shelter officials urged in a post to Facebook.
Healthy dogs are still available for adoption or fostering. If you are interested in viewing available pets, click here.
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