PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Pinellas County officials have an urgent alert for dog owners.
Canine distemper was detected at the Fort De Soto Park campground this week, according to the county's website. It's now advised that, if you bring your dog to the park, you do not leave food or water for them unattended outside.
Canine distemper has the potential to kill dogs that have not been vaccinated or are susceptible due to their age or a compromised immune system, an alert issued by the county reads.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) describes canine distemper as a "contagious and serious disease" that's caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system of dogs.
Humans and cats are not affected.
The virus can weaken a dog's immune system, putting them at risk of developing other infections. As it spreads, dogs can develop discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the AVMA. It can also cause neurological symptoms as well. These include walking in circles or the inability to follow a straight path, head tilting, a lack of coordination, muscle twitches, jaw convulsions, drooling, seizures, and even partial to complete paralysis.
"Canine distemper virus also may cause the surface of a dog's nose and footpads to thicken and harden, leading to the nickname 'hard pad disease,'" the AVMA website says.
Canine distemper is said to be a highly contagious disease and can spread quickly.
The virus can infect puppies and dogs through airborne exposure via sneezing, coughing or barking. It can also be spread through shared food and water bowls. Dogs shed the virus through "respiratory droplets, saliva, or urine and may be contagious for several months."
It can also affect wildlife, increasing the risk of infection for pet dogs in places like a campground, AVMA says.
It's advised that dog owners get their pets vaccinated to prevent canine distemper. This vaccination is included in a combination vaccine that also protects against other common viruses, according to the AVMA.
If you notice an animal that appears sick or is acting strangely while at the Fort De Soto Park campground, you're urged to contact 727-582-2100.