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Midland Animal Services holds press conference amid viral canine distemper outbreak at shelter

Distemper is an airborne virus that causes fever, vomiting, runny eyes, runny nose and trouble breathing.

MIDLAND, Texas — An outbreak of canine distemper is within the Midland Animal Services, according to a press release from the City of Midland on Tuesday. Midland Animal Services is issuing a public health notice at its shelter amid the distemper outbreak.

At 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the City of Midland held a press conference to answer any questions about the outbreak. Midland Animal Services Manager Melissa Griffin-Hobson described the virus that is roaming around their shelter.

"Distemper is a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal respiratory and nervous system of dogs, especially if they are unvaccinated," said Griffin-Hobson. 

Canine distemper is highly contagious and causes dogs to experience fever, vomiting, runny eyes, runny nose and trouble breathing. 

There is no cure for the viral disease, however, it is 100% preventable. Midland Animal Services recommends routine vaccinations. 

"Puppies will get a series of vaccines starting at four weeks and that will be boostered," Griffin-Hobson said. "Your adult dogs will then get it at one year and then usually it's every three years. But talk to your doctor about your pet and what they would recommend based on their age."

Midland Animal Services is asking all residents of Midland to not pick up stray dogs and bring them to the shelter for drop-off.

If you encounter a stray dog, please do not attempt to capture or transport the animal. Instead, contact Midland Animal Services with the location (nearest street sign or business) and a general description of the animal (color, size and whether it is wearing a collar).

Officers will attempt to return the animals to their home in the field, so they are less likely to enter any surrounding facilities.

Midland Animal Services said there is a temporary suspension of dog adoptions until further notice for precautionary measures. The temporary suspension will prevent the spread of the virus.

However, cat adoptions will continue because the cats are separated from the dogs.

As for stray animals, they may be brought to a local veterinarian or pet supply store. The stray animals will need to be equipped with a microchip scanner to help reunite them with their owners.

If possible, please consider the strays for possible housing to reduce the spread of the disease while efforts are being made to locate its owner.

If there is no other option for the stray animal, please get in touch with Midland Animal Services for assistance. They are taking in animals, when necessary, but bringing a stray into their facility during this outbreak poses as a health risk to the animal.

Currently, Midland Animal Services is aiming to contain the outbreak and protect the animals in the community by finding a solution quickly and safely.

According to Griffin-Hobson, pet owners can stay safe by changing their clothes and making sure that their shoes or anything that they have worn that could have come in contact with an infected animal is not near their animals.

On Monday, the City of Midland announced changes to the schedule for Midland Animal Services that will allow for more opportunities for deep cleaning.

To learn more about canine distemper, click here.

RELATED: Midland Animal Services looking to change shelter schedule starting April 1

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