Port Blair: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) has confirmed an outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) among dogs in Sri Vijaya Puram and issued a public advisory urging pet owners to take immediate preventive measures to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.
The Department said Canine Distemper is a life-threatening viral infection that mainly affects unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated dogs, but clarified that the disease is not transmissible to humans.
Pet owners have been advised to watch for early symptoms such as high fever, dry nose, eye and nasal discharge, coughing, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, infected dogs may develop neurological complications, including convulsions, jaw chomping, excessive salivation, muscle twitching and hardening of the footpads.
The advisory urged owners to immediately isolate sick dogs, seek prompt veterinary treatment and ensure timely vaccination, describing immunisation as the most effective protection against the disease. Puppies should receive their first vaccine between six and eight weeks of age, followed by booster doses until 16–20 weeks and annual booster vaccinations thereafter.
The Department also cautioned against allowing unvaccinated dogs to mingle with other dogs or visit public parks and beaches during the outbreak. Pet owners have been advised not to administer medicines without veterinary consultation, maintain strict hygiene by disinfecting feeding bowls and living areas, and keep pets away from stray dogs and crowded places until they are fully vaccinated and healthy.
Appealing for public cooperation, the Department urged pet owners to contact the nearest veterinary institution or the AH&VS Department for timely guidance and assistance to help contain the outbreak.
