The distemper virus poses no threat to people, but for animals, it’s a different story. If your pet were to come into contact with an infected animal it could lead to coughing, vomiting, and even seizures.
Portland animal control says since the distemper virus was discovered in three wild animals, animal services have been patrolling the area more often for any suspicious activity.
Especially the Sunset Lake area. This is where those infected three wild animals were found.
Portland Animal Control is encouraging the community to place your pets food bowls inside and not on the porch because the disease can travel through your pet’s food.
The biggest factor in fighting against this harmful virus is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated.
“I don’t leave any food or water outside at night it comes in and I wash the bowls with anti-bacterial but basically, the biggest thing is to make sure I get them vaccinated every year for the distemper.” Dog owner Elise Smith says.
Dog trainers with Sit Means Sit in Portland say it is crucial to pick up after your dogs because these diseases lay in feces as well.
Sit Means Sit owner & head trainer Wes Wirick says, “But it also poses safety hazards if dogs get into that, they eat it, or they step in it or thing like that it causes problems.
