PANAJI
The Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services has alerted the public and pet owners about recent cases of Canine Distemper in certain areas of Goa.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, the Department clarified that the disease, caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), primarily affects unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated dogs.
The Department noted that early symptoms of Canine Distemper, including fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, watery or purulent nasal and eye discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and hardening of the nose and paw pads, can sometimes resemble rabies, causing unnecessary panic. Authorities emphasized that Canine Distemper is not transmissible to humans and spreads only between dogs via saliva, respiratory droplets, or contact with urine or feces of infected animals.
As the disease progresses, it can affect the nervous system, causing muscle twitching, convulsions, paralysis, head tilt, circling movements, and seizures. While there is no specific antiviral treatment, early veterinary intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent secondary infections. Mild cases may recover, but advanced neurological cases often have a poor prognosis.
The Department urged pet owners to ensure timely and regular vaccination of dogs according to veterinary schedules, avoid contact between healthy dogs and stray or sick dogs, maintain good hygiene, nutrition, and stress-free living conditions for pets, and report suspected cases immediately to the nearest Government Veterinary Dispensary or Hospital.
The advisory also noted that vaccines and medications are not provided free of cost by the State Government, and the Department continues to monitor the situation closely.
