The City of Hobbs and the Hobbs Animal Adoption Center (HAAC) are concerned about the number of canine distemper cases that are entering the center. 

While the origin is unknown, there are many possible avenues for transmission of this contagious disease. The disease is preventable through vaccination, and is not transmissible to humans.

What is Distemper?

The disease is caused by a virus known as the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and is extremely contagious. The disease infects “domestic dogs and other animals such as ferrets, skunks, and raccoons,” states the VCA Animal Hospitals website.

The disease is incurable and often fatal. Known as a multisystemic disease, one that affects multiple organs, distemper attacks the “respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems”. 

How Is the Disease Transmitted?

In a City of Hobbs press release (PDF), dated March 10, Communications Director Meghan Mooney states, “Canine distemper is spread through direct contact [between a susceptible animal and one showing symptoms] or airborne exposure, rather like the common cold in humans.”

Airborne exposure such as “coughing and sneezing can spread the virus over short distances.” Through coughing, sneezing and/or barking dogs and other animals release droplets into the air. Floating in the environment these droplets have the ability to infect other animals that are nearby. Surfaces like food and water bowls, as well as food itself, can also be infected. 

What Are Symptoms of the Disease?

Symptoms of the disease “include pus-like discharge from the animal’s eyes, fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and vomiting.” 

Measures to Curb the Spread of the Disease in the Hobbs Area

The problem is serious in the Hobbs area, and HAAC is taking proactive, temporary measures to curb the further spread of the disease. HAAC hopes to determine “if this disease is from unvaccinated animals in the community.” To this end HAAC is taking the following steps, effective immediately:

• Stray drop pens at HAAC will be locked until further notice. The goal is to “prevent a potentially infected animal from entering the facility and spreading this disease,” states the press release. 

• Before a citizen will be allowed to surrender an animal to HAAC, proof of current vaccines is required. If such proof does not exist, HAAC will vaccinate the animal; the owner will, then, be requested to take the animal back home for a seven- to 10- day period before returning it to HAAC.

• HAAC is not accepting at this time “owner surrender [from] outside of Lea County or from areas that have a facility that holds stray/unwanted pets.”

• Owners who want to surrender an unwanted litter of puppies to HAAC are asked to allow HAAC to vaccinate the puppies; owners will then need to keep the puppies at their individual residences for two weeks before returning the puppies to HAAC.

Stray Dogs

The public is asked to leave stray dogs where they are found and notifly Animal Control immediately at (575) 391-4178. Animal Control will step in and take care of the problem.

Vaccinate Your Pets

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Linda Westall, the city’s contracted vet stated, “Canine distemper is a highly contagious and severe disease. However, it is also entirely preventable with proper vaccination.” Vaccination is a very simple way to protect them.

Other Important Tips for Animal Owners

Both Dr. Westall and the HAAC staff provide the following tips to better protect your pet, as well as other pets, from this life-threatening disease.

• Microchip your pets or put tags on them “so that they do not have to enter the facility and potentially be exposed. Animal Control Officers will work diligently to return these animals to their owners and avoid the animal entering the facility and potentially being exposed,” states the press release.

• Be certain your puppy receives a full series of distemper vaccinations.

• Be certain that distemper vaccinations are current throughout the life of your pets. Do not allow gaps in vaccinations.

• Do not allow your pets to be near infected animals or wildlife.

• Be certain to vaccinate pet ferrets for distemper.

• Be careful when you socialize your puppy or unvaccinated dog.Take extra caution in dog parks, at obedience classes and at doggie daycare.

If you have questions contact Hobbs Animal Control at (575) 391-4178 or your veterinarian.

Remember if your animal starts to show signs of distemper, immediately contact your vet or HAAC.