5:54 p.m.
Pulaski Police are warning residents about a deadly distemper outbreak.
Five dogs in the last six months were euthanized by Animal Control, after testing positive for distemper.
"We have had several complaints from citizens about raccoons being in their yard, possibly rabid," said Officer Megan Jennings.
But the animals were tested and animal control says while results were negative on rabies, they were positive for distemper. It is why local police on Monday notified pet owners in Pulaski.
"We heard of a problem, we just want to get the information out there," said Jennings.
"Most common symptoms that you are going to be seeing are fever, snotty nose, crusties around the eyes, diarrhea," said Dr. Jared Morgan.
Morgan, a local vet who runs Tipton Ridge Veterinary Medical Center, says he received plenty of calls when word got around.
"People have gotten very concerned, hey what do we need to worry about, what do we need to look for. What we are telling people is that if they are vaccinating their dogs in a proper fashion, then they are getting good protection," said Morgan.
But if you are concerned that Fido is not feeling well,police encourage people to call their vet.
----
2:10 p.m.
From Ken Heineck, WSLS reporter in the field
Pulaski Police say they've seen 7-9 cases of canine distemper, and have received numerous tips about rabid raccoons in the area.
I'll have a full update tonight on WSLS at 6:00 p.m.
---
11:10 p.m.
The Town of Pulaski's Police Department sent out a warning this morning (Monday) about an outbreak of distemper among dogs in the county.
In an e-mail, the department wrote there had been multiple confirmed cases in Pulaski County, and investigators believe the outbreak is coming from infected raccoons.
Symptoms of canine distemper include:
- A high fever
- Coughing
- Vomiting
The only way to protect your pets is to get them vaccinated, before they become infected.
The Pulaski County Animal Shelter plans to hold a low cost vaccine clinic on March 10th and March 24th between 12:00-4:00 p.m. both days.
Distemper and rabies vaccines will be $5.00 each, and a bordatella vaccine for kennel cough will be offered for $10.00.
Scheduled appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will also be accepted. Call (540) 674-0089 to schedule an appointment.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement