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Canine Distemper Outbreak

Category: Dogs | Date: Mar 27 2007 | By: admin

Today I was driving back to Nairobi . When I was driving pass Lolgorian town, one guy came running from nearby boma. He was shouting and trying to stop my car. My friend on the navigator seat tells me that the man is calling my name. I stop and listens to what the man has to say. ‘My dogs are dying, all of them!’, the man says. Early last year, there was an outbreak of canine distemper in the area between Lolgorian and Olmotoni. Now, it seems like the outbreak is back. The man tells me that his dogs showed thick yellow discharge from the nostril and eyes. It is definitely a a case of canine distemper. I told him that I can bring the vaccine from Nairobi when I come back in a week, but the man almost jumped when he heard the cost of vaccine. I give out the vaccine with cost price, without charging veterinary service fee. Yet, the cost price of the vaccine was not something that the man wanted to spend on his dogs. ‘Mbua siyo ng’ombe’ (dog is not cattle), he says. He went around the boma to talk to people, but no one is willing to vaccinate their dogs against canine distemper. They all claim that they cannot spend such money on dogs. There is very little I can do if the owners are not willing to vaccinate the dogs…

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14 Responses to “Canine Distemper Outbreak”

Chris in USA, on 27 Mar 2007

Can I help donate to this cause? How much would you need?

Dana, on 27 Mar 2007

Yes, can I help donate also. This is so sad.

I didn’t know that much about canine distemper so I looked it up on the Internet. I did notice one sentence that is disturbing: “It is possible for humans to contract an asymptomatic (subclinical) CDV infection. Anyone who’s been immunized against measles (a related virus) is protected against CDV as well.

So does this mean that human’s can become sick also?

Chris in USA, on 27 Mar 2007

Can you tell how much is needed to make a significant impact (for me, in US Dollars)? Then myself and Dana (thanks to her) can give what we can. It may be enough to really help. Please, let us know how much is needed and which site we should donate to so that you get the money directly.

Matt, on 27 Mar 2007

Hello Asuka.. can you tell me more about how the dogs die from canine distemper? is it contagious? presumably yes. that is great chris and dana want to donate. best, Matt

Samantha, on 27 Mar 2007

Dear Chris & Dana,
This is Samantha here from WildlifeDirect. I was just reading Asuka’s blog which is one of my favorites. I believe she is out on the road at the moment, being a vet. I have sent her an email. If you click on the Donate button on the right of this blog you will see the items that she most needs. She just completed this list and we uploaded it for her. 100% of the donations made via this button go to Asuka. WildlifeDirect is funded for administrative purposes by the EU. So you can be sure that the items Asuka has put up are the ones she needs (or you can leave an open donation and she can choose)! Please leave me a comment or email me if you have any other questions. And I am sooo glad you love this blog as much as I do. Fascinating information contained within. Very best, Samantha

Chris in USA, on 27 Mar 2007

Samantha-
Hello and thank you. I see the items and that is helpful but I was hoping to find out specifically how much the drugs would be for this distemper problem (the blog is good but seems to have more generic drug information, which I certainly understand). Is this possible to find out? If not, maybe an open donation would work but I wasn’t sure how much would be needed to fix this problem. Thank you!

Chris in USA, on 27 Mar 2007

I should clarify by saying “this particular distemper problem” on my last sentence above. Thank you.

Samantha, on 28 Mar 2007

I understand Chris. Asuka should be back very soon and will be able to enlighten you further. Unfortunately I know nothing about veterinary science so I shall avoid misguiding you! Hope all is well. Samantha

Chris in USA, on 28 Mar 2007

Thank you, Samantha… you can email me at chrisalarmic@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Dana, on 28 Mar 2007

Thank you Samantha for the information. I will check into the PayPal donation site. I really want to help with some of the Vet costs. I think I met Asuka at Kichwa Tembo camp in the Mara last September and since we are going back this September I can take donation money to her then also–if I can find her :>)

asuka, on 31 Mar 2007

Hi, I just came back from Mara and read all the comments. I am happy to hear that so many people are concern with this issue and are willing to help with the crisis. I am posting entries regarding the disease and how we can control this disease (including cost of vaccination).

jonathan, on 30 Apr 2007

if you love dogs, you gotta chech this video…

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=MP1Rg-LNEa4

latha, on 23 Jan 2008

sir
can u say me the way to prevent my dog from canine distemper.. It is already infected and very weak.. suggest me the medicine please

asuka, on 29 Jan 2008

Latha

Canine distemper treatment is only supportive treatment and dog’s recovery depends on its immunity. There is no currative medication as it is viral disease. Please bring your dog to nearest veterinary hospital asap for the supportive treatment.

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