Outbreak of a deadly disease in dogs in the Borderland

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- An outbreak of Distemper and Strep Zoo in dogs is being addressed immediately by The City of El Paso Animal Service, City officials say.

According to a City press release, 20 dogs tested positive for Canine Distemper Virus, a highly contagious and deadly disease in dogs after an Animal Service veterinarian noticed a high volume of respiratory illness. Additionally, two dogs tested positive for Strep Zoo, and rare pathogen in dogs.

Due to the outbreak, Animal Services will be closed to the public Saturday and Sunday. They will be deep cleaning all shelter grounds, including public areas. Lost pet reclaims and foster medical appointments will be the only services conducted via curbside service.

“Distemper is endemic to the borderland region, and most other southern states, which is why we continue to educate and encourage the community to vaccinate their pets,” said Dr. Tony Chacon, El Paso Animal Services Veterinarian. “With over 700 dogs already in the shelter, the only way for us to protect the animals in the shelter and the community is to temporarily suspend non-emergency intake.”

Animal Services has launched a testing plan to prevent further outbreak, starting with dogs displaying symptoms of the disease, then testing asymptomatic dogs. Additionally, the department says safety protocols will include carefully monitoring healthy animals who may have been exposed.

The department is asking the community to make sure your pets are up-to-date on all their vaccinations. They are also asking that pet owners keep their animals at home and confined.

The City is asking community members to consider adopting low-risk dogs who have been identified by the medical team.