Latest news with #CanineDistemperVirus
India Today
5 days ago
- Health
- India Today
What killed four Asiatic lions in 10 days in Gujarat?
The death of four Asiatic lions in the past 10 days—three cubs and a lioness—has cast gloom over Gujarat's Amreli district and the wildlife conservation community in the state. The carcasses were found in the Jafrabad-Rajula area, a satellite habitat beyond the core Gir National Park, sparking alarm among local people and conservationists forest department, tasked with safeguarding the world's only Asiatic lion population, has been thrust into the spotlight as questions abound about the cause of these minister Mulubhai Bera addressed the crisis with measured caution, stating: 'Three lion cubs died near Kagvadar village, and a lioness was found dead on the outskirts of Mandardi village. This is extremely unfortunate.' He emphasised that blood samples from three other lionesses and six cubs had been sent for testing, with preliminary reports suggesting natural causes of death such as anaemia or conservator of forests Dhananjay Sahu echoed this, noting that two cubs rescued earlier had succumbed to weakness and pneumonia and that no epidemic had been confirmed. The forest department also ruled out a viral outbreak like Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) for now, but testing continues at the Babarkot Animal Care Centre in Amreli district. Local people are sceptical. Many in Jafrabad and Rajula suspect a 'mysterious virus' akin to the 2018 outbreak that had claimed 25 lions in the same region. Fears of CDV or Babesiosis, a tick-borne disease causing anaemia and jaundice, run in the vicinity of the deaths are demanding swift action: a thorough investigation, increased veterinary presence and better infrastructure, including more rescue vehicles and water facilities for lions in the revenue MLA Hirabhai Solanki accused the forest department of negligence, pointing to an unopened rescue centre in his constituency. J.V. Kakadiya, the MLA of Dhari, wrote to minister Bera, urging a probe into possible viral causes and criticising the forest department's response as 'unsatisfactory'.The 2018 Gir outbreak remains a grim benchmark. In September-October that year, 34 lions died owing to disease outbreak and infections like CDV and Babesiosis. The forest department had responded by isolating the sick lions, vaccinating the healthy ones and enhancing monitoring, which helped curtail the epidemic.A similar CDV outbreak in Tanzania's Serengeti in 1994 had wiped out about 1,000 lions, underscoring the vulnerability of concentrated populations. These events highlight why experts advocate geographic dispersal to mitigate disease all brings us to the 2013 Supreme Court order, which mandated translocating Asiatic lions from Gir to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh to create a second population, thereby reducing extinction risks from epidemics or disasters. Twelve years on, the order remains on officials have resisted, citing the state's conservation success and local identity pride in the lions. They argue that initiatives such as the Rs 2,900 crore Project Lion, approved in 2023, and translocation within Gujarat to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (about 100 km from Gir) address these experts argue that Barda's small size and low prey base make it inadequate for Asiatic lions while Kuno offers a better long-term solution. The Gujarat forest department counters the narrative by highlighting the lion population's growth and the state's model of human-wildlife this, the 2025 lion census paints a complex picture. Amreli district, including Jafrabad and Rajula, hosts 339 lions, a 45.5 per cent increase from 2020, reflecting robust growth of the population. However, 507 of the 891 lions in the state now roam outside Gir, increasing human-lion conflict and disease exposure in areas such as Rajula and Jafrabad. This expansion, while a conservation triumph, underscores the urgency of addressing health Amreli mourns its fallen lions, the tension between conservation success and emerging risks grows. The forest department's assurances clash with local demands for accountability even as the spectre of past outbreaks and an unheeded Supreme Court order loom to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
More than 100 dogs euthanized for the second time
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — More than 100 dogs have been euthanized at the Memphis Animal Services shelter because of a second outbreak of Canine Distemper in two months. MAS euthanized 104 dogs Wednesday after they contracted the Canine Distemper Virus. 'This closure will allow our team to focus on providing the highest level of care to the animals currently in the shelter and take all necessary steps to manage the situation,' said MAS in a statement. In January, WREG shared a video of a dog on the streets of Memphis showing signs of distemper during the previous outbreak where another 100 dogs were euthanized. Memphis shelter deals with second outbreak of canine distemper Hanna Juddin owner of two dogs said that it is concerning to hear about another Canine Distemper Virus outbreak at MAS. The virus is warned to be a disease that can rapidly shut down a dog's respiratory, intestinal, and nervous system. It is highly contagious and frequently fatal in kennel populations. 'I just know that I make sure that they are vaccinated, just like whatever needs to be protected talk to my vet,' said Juddin. Juddin urges pet parents to become more aware of the virus and take the necessary precautions. She said that while the stray population in the Memphis area is a problem. It is not all on MAS. 'We're living in the same community, so when everybody does their part it makes it easier rather than saying they are the ones who are in charge over everything.' Man accused of kidnapping 14-year-old girl faces new charges The shelter is urging all pet owners to keep their pets safe and healthy. Here's what you need to know to prevent and spot distemper: Vaccination: Ensure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Distemper is preventable, and vaccinations are the best defense against this virus. Symptoms to Watch For: If your pet shows signs like sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, or lethargy, please consult your veterinarian immediately. Keep Distance: Limit interactions with unfamiliar animals and avoid dog parks until the situation is resolved. Spread the Word: Please share this message to help keep the community informed For more updates from MAS you can visit its Facebook page or contact Memphis Animal Services directly for more information. The city said that MAS will discuss the distemper situation later this week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Memphis shelter deals with second outbreak of canine distemper
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Animal Services says it has to euthanize more dogs due to a second outbreak of Canine Distemper at the shelter in less than two months. MAS made the following statement on its website: The Memphis Animal Shelter is currently responding to an outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) affecting three kennel areas within the facility. To contain the spread of the disease and protect the health and safety of both the animals and the broader community, the shelter has made the incredibly difficult choice to humanely euthanize dogs who have tested positive for the virus, along with evaluating and addressing cases involving dogs at high risk of infection. Additional measures may be necessary as further test results become available. In January, nearly 100 dogs were euthanized at the Memphis animal shelter following another Distemper outbreak at the facility. Nearly 100 dogs euthanized at Memphis animal shelter due to distemper outbreak Mary Claire Borys said in January MAS was forced to euthanize exposed animals to prevent the disease from spreading to healthy animals and the community. The shelter allowed the adoption of a few previously committed animals based on the adopter's ability to safely quarantine the dog until it tested clear of infection. MAS said that Distemper is a highly contagious and serious disease that can spread rapidly in a shelter environment, particularly among young or non-vaccinated animals. During times of high puppy intake, outbreaks tend to occur as these puppies can be carriers of the virus. Toddler dies after being hit by car in Parkway Village The animal shelter said it's reinforcing ongoing sanitation protocols, continuing to isolate exposed animals, and closely monitoring the health of all animals in care. MAS remains open to the public, but they are temporarily closing intake appointments and public microchipping services until they can better control the population and ensure the safety of our animals. 'They are working with veterinary experts and the community to manage this situation responsibly and transparently,' said MAS on their website. 'Healthy, unexposed dogs remain available for adoption and fostering. We urge the community to consider adopting or fostering to help alleviate overcrowding and protect the welfare of animals still in care.' The shelter is urging all pet owners to keep their pets safe and healthy. Here's what you need to know to prevent and spot distemper: Vaccination: Ensure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Distemper is preventable, and vaccinations are the best defense against this virus. Symptoms to Watch For: If your pet shows signs like sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, or lethargy, please consult your veterinarian immediately. Keep Distance: Limit interactions with unfamiliar animals and avoid dog parks until the situation is resolved. Spread the Word: Please share this message to help keep the community informed For more updates from MAS you can visit its Facebook page or contact Memphis Animal Services directly for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dead raccoons found at New York historical site prompt warnings for pet owners
PATCHOGUE, N.Y. – Dead raccoons found on the grounds of the historic William Floyd Estate on Long Island in recent weeks have prompted National Park Service (NPS) officials to warn the public of potential health risks to their pets. In late December, NPS staff observed two raccoons acting uncharacteristically on the estate grounds, along with evidence of other dead raccoons in the area. These raccoons tested positive for Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). Notably, the raccoons tested negative for both rabies and avian influenza (bird flu). CDV is a contagious and serious virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. According to the NPS, raccoons exhibiting signs of CDV may be active during the daytime and approach people. The animal will seem disoriented, stumbling and wandering around aimlessly. People who notice this behavior should avoid close contact with the animal. CDV does not pose a threat to humans but can be fatal if transmitted to dogs. It is important to get your pets the necessary vaccinations to avoid an encounter like this. There is no cure for CDV, and no antiviral drugs have been approved to combat the infection. Dozens Of Sea Turtles Rescued From Florida Beaches Following Historic Winter Blast CDV in raccoons is transmitted through close contact among the local population. Predators such as foxes and coyotes are not exempt from contracting this disease from raccoons. People in the area are advised to avoid potential human and pet encounters with wildlife, including raccoons. The William Floyd Estate is currently closed to the public. The estate grounds are open seasonally from May 1 until the Sunday after article source: Dead raccoons found at New York historical site prompt warnings for pet owners
