Distemper outbreak in community: Cold Lake

Press release: City of Cold Lake. 

The doors to the Animal Care and Control Centre (ACCC) have been closed to the public for the past week, as an outbreak of distemper in the community has been made its way into the facility.

In an effort to control the spread of the disease, which was unknown at the time, staff closed the doors to the public, and took extra precautions when caring for the animals inside. Animals were checked for several diseases, including Parvo, which came back negative.

Further testing confirmed the outbreak of distemper.

Distemper is a highly contagious, viral disease of dogs and other animals. It affects multiple organs, is incurable, and often fatal.

Animals that contract the disease often have lasting neurological effects and a deteriorating quality of life. Distemper can usually be prevented with routine vaccinations given to pets, and pet owners are reminded to regularly have their animals examined and keep their vaccinations up to date.

Any pet owners who have picked up lost pets from the ACCC in the past three weeks are encouraged to have their animal checked for distemper. Licensed pet owners who have picked up animals recently are being contacted by our staff members directly.

After lengthy discussions with local veterinarians, it is with deep regret that the City has made the difficult decision to euthanize all animals currently at the facility.

Staff are thankful for the assistance of local veterinarians in this difficult process, and hope this will prevent the spread of the virus in the animal population in Cold Lake.

The ACCC will be closed until further notice for sanitation and deep cleaning.