Ville de Brossard is calling for vigilance regarding distemper, also known as carré disease.
Ville de Brossard is issuing a call for vigilance concerning distemper, also known as carré disease, a contagious disease that affects both wild animals and domestic dogs. Over the past month, there has been an increase in cases of distemper among the region’s wildlife. The city is encouraging dog owners to pay close attention to this disease and take preventive measures to protect their pets.
Very common in Quebec, distemper particularly affects raccoons and skunks, but also canids. The disease is not transmissible to humans and does not affect cats. Cold does not kill this virus, which can remain contagious in the environment for several weeks at a temperature of 4°C. Transmission is by aerosol or by direct or indirect contact with oral, respiratory and ocular fluids, urine and feces of infected animals. It is strongly recommended that dogs and ferrets be vaccinated with the DHPP vaccine (basic vaccine).
The signs of distemper resemble those of rabies. The main symptoms, which vary in intensity and number depending on the animal species, are :
- Passivity;
- Walking aimlessly or in circles;
- Nervous problems;
- Behavioral changes;
- Conjunctivitis;
- Runny nose and respiratory problems;
- Skin problems;
- Digestive problems;
- Dental and testicular lesions.
An animal can be contagious even if it is asymptomatic. In sick dogs, runny eyes and nose with conjunctivitis are usually the first signs of this virus, which weakens the immune system and can be fatal.
To find out more about distemper, preventive measures and what to do if you come into contact with an infected animal, visit the Quebec government website. You can also visit the animals.
If you see a wild animal showing signs of the disease, please report it to the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, which can also be reached at 1-844-523-6738. Avoid approaching, touching, petting or feeding unknown, stray or wild animals, even if they look harmless.
Citizens are invited to contact their veterinarian for any information regarding their pet’s health.
