Hazards for dogs Distemper detected in five foxes

New cases of distemper: For the first time since 2009, the dangerous infectious disease has been detected in several foxes in the Duchy of Lauenburg (Schleswig-Holstein). In order to take no risk, dog owners should now have their animals vaccinated on the advice of the Ministry of Agriculture in Kiel. This applies in particular to hunting dogs.
Danger exists basically everywhere in the country
After more than six years, the Ministry of Agriculture in Kiel has detected the infectious disease "distemper" in foxes. According to the ministry, since the end of November 2015, the infections had been diagnosed with five foxes from the southern part of the country. These were animals already found dead or behaviorally conspicuous, according to the statement.

Danger of distemper: Dog owners should have their animals vaccinated. Image: Sebastian Kaulitzki - fotolia

"The animals were indeed found in Lauenburg. But the distemper danger exists basically in all parts of the country ", said Ministry spokesman Sönke Wendland opposite the news agency" dpa ". "We also recommend the dog owners in the district of Segeberg to have their animals vaccinated now," continued Wendland.

More cases due to infected dogs from abroad
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the complete protection of dogs is guaranteed "if puppies and young animals are given a basic immunization at an edible age and regularly vaccinated". On the other hand, the virus poses no danger to humans. The cases that have become known are the first diagnosed distemper-related diseases in foxes since 2009. The most recent diagnosis was that a stone marten was detected three years ago. In general, there have been an increase in other regions in recent years, an increase in distemper infections, with wild animals as a virus reservoir, the vaccine fatigue of dog owners and the purchase of infected dogs from abroad would be important factors.

Foxes represent the most important "virus reservoir" for distemper, which means that although some of the animals are infected, they are not affected themselves. In the meantime, dogs are also endangered because foxes are more and more frequently found near human settlements due to the rich food supply and their fast learning and adaptability. Accordingly, dogs can be infected by foxes in their immediate vicinity, but also at the forest walk. This applies in particular hunting dogs, which should be vaccinated on the advice of the Ministry in any case.

The clinical picture of distemper is complex
Distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), which is found among others in dogs, foxes, raccoons, martens and badgers. Although the virus is closely related to human measles virus, it poses no threat to it. Over the years the CDV will e.g. by saliva or nasal secretions as well as excrement and urine of infected animals.

The symptoms are complex and, in addition to typical manifestations of pneumonia, such as coughing or breathing difficulties, e.g. Include diarrhea and vomiting. Drowsiness, aggressiveness, skin changes (such as rash, excessive cornification), and central nervous deficits such as loss of timidity, cramps, and movement disorders are also typical. The symptoms may occur simultaneously or in succession, depending on the course and severity of the disease between 30 and 80 percent of infected animals die. If you find a sick or dead fox, you should inform the ministry about the area owners or the local hunters. In addition, it should be ensured that both live and dead wild animals are not touched. (No)