Dog virus outbreak ‘at epidemic levels’

At least four new cases of distemper have been reported in Nelson Mandela Bay within 48 hours – and veterinarians are warning of a deadly epidemic that has already killed several dogs in recent months.

This follows two cases of distemper reported two weeks ago as well as several of parvovirus.

According to vets, the deadly and contagious viruses, mostly affecting the township and rural areas, have already killed hundreds of dogs in 2019, with the death toll expected to climb.

Both viruses are highly contagious between dogs and transferable by people.

Distemper attacks all organ systems, including the respiratory system, and ends up in the brain, while parvovirus causes acute vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, leading to toxic shock and death.

Animal Anti-Cruelty League Port Elizabeth vet Dr Kathleen Davis said the situation was already a crisis in the Bay, with signs of the epidemic emerging before September 2018.

“It is a crisis that needs intervention,” she said.

“Since last year, we have had to euthanise hundreds of infected dogs with either distemper or parvo.

“On average, I see about 10 to 20 dogs a week with parvovirus and about three to eight with distemper.

“These are deadly and contagious viruses that spread rapidly.”

Davis said the epidemic in the Bay was probably 10 times worse due to the large number of untreated animals.

“We are predominantly talking about dogs that are not vaccinated.

“The areas most affected are the townships and northern areas, largely due to the socioeconomic climate.”

In 2018, a distemper outbreak in Knysna saw almost 300 dogs euthanised over a period of five months.

Davis said the metro’s crisis was far more severe.

“The virus spreads by human transmission and from dogs themselves,” she said.

“Even coming into contact with an infected dog’s urine or faeces while going on a walk can lead to it spreading.

“In the western suburbs most dogs are vaccinated, which is why you get only a few cases in those areas.”

To help in combating the virus, they had launched a Sponsor the Spay campaign aimed at educating dog owners, and vaccinating and sterilising dogs in the poorer communities.

“We have only raised about R6,000 to date, which only covers about 60 dogs,” Davis said.

The South City Veterinary Clinic’s Dr Dean Sim said he had already noted a crisis in some areas, such as Walmer township, where the parvovirus was spreading.

“The government is, unfortunately, not doing much to assist, which places the onus on the private sector and animal-loving residents to help.

“It is truly a horrible death and a horrific way for any animal to die,” he said.

“The Bay Community Veterinary Clinic, a nonprofit run by private vets who donate their time and skills, uses donations to buy vaccines for use in the poor communities.

“The bottom line is that the only way residents are going to stop this is by coming together and raising funds to bring the epidemic under control.”

Port Elizabeth Animal Welfare Society manager Hannes Stander said they see several dogs, mostly with parvovirus, every month.

Three distemper cases were found last week by Animal Anti-Cruelty volunteer Tracey Rudiger, 41, in Kuyga.

In September, the Cape Of Good Hope SPCA issued a warning to dog owners following a few cases of distemper reported in Cape Town.

Nelson Mandela Bay district state vet Dr Lungile Jali said the two viruses were not within their mandate and it was ultimately the owners’ responsibility to ensure their pets were vaccinated.

Jali said they were not aware of an outbreak.

Municipal spokesperson Kupido Baron said they were extremely concerned.

“Our concern arises from the fact that these incidents occur within the municipal area and it could have been prevented if the animals had received the correct treatment.

“Since the treatment of rabies is budgeted for, and part of our mandate as the municipality, our programme to deal with any eventuality in this regard is in place,” he said.