STATEMENT ON CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS

Updated October 18, 2011

About two weeks ago, we shared that one of our dogs had been diagnosed with Canine Distemper Virus. We suspended dog adoptions for two days at both our campuses while we assessed the problem. We are proud that we were quickly able to launch a response where we can identify healthy dogs and send them home quickly, and care for dogs who are sick. 

We have chosen a very aggressive and innovative response strategy to this illness.  Canine Distemper is contagious to unvaccinated dogs and very serious, often fatal.  We have learned that many shelters are forced to “depopulate,” euthanizing either all their dogs or any dog showing signs of illness, as soon as distemper is diagnosed.  Our leadership team and all our staff reject this approach and have chosen instead to save as many of our dogs as we can, even though we know it will interrupt our regular operations for several weeks. 

Our decisions on how to respond to this situation will continue to be guided by our commitment to the animals in our care and our responsibility to the communities we serve.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?
We are monitoring and testing all of the 70 dogs in our care. The shelter will continue to clear dogs for adoption on a weekly basis after WHS veterinarians are confident that the dogs are resistant to the virus, and also that the dog is not spreading the virus.

In the effort to contain the virus and prevent transmission, dogs are not being regularly admitted into the Milwaukee shelter and we are instead working with families to arrange to accept dogs at our Ozaukee location, other area shelters who have generously stepped forward to help, and rescue groups. People thinking of surrendering a dog are being asked to hold off for a couple weeks, and if they cannot, contact us to learn about current options. We can receive, on an appointment basis, surrenders in Milwaukee and transport them to our Ozaukee facilities for intake.

Neither our Milwaukee nor Ozaukee locations are taking any dog transfers from other shelters at this time.

WHAT IS CANINE DISTEMPER?

Canine Distemper is a very serious and often fatal viral illness that affects dogs and other members of the Canidae family. The illness can strike a dog at any age, but young, unvaccinated dogs and puppies are most susceptible to Canine Distemper.  The virus is found in bodily secretions and spread via inhalation. Once inhaled, the virus can move to the lymph nodes and then to the blood, spreading to the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital and central nervous systems.

The Distemper Virus is most commonly transmitted by coming in contact directly with an infected dog, or indirectly with its saliva or urine. The distemper virus can also spread through the air.

Canine Distemper cannot be cured, but it can be easily prevented and sometimes successfully treated. The Canine Distemper vaccine is recognized as one of the most effective vaccines and can offer protection within hours. The Wisconsin Humane Society vaccinates every shelter dog in its care.

The Wisconsin Humane Society's mission is to build a community where people value animals and treat them with respect and kindness. Our goal is to save lives.