‘Canine distemper’ outbreak feared in West Sikkim

GYALSHING, 05 Mar: The office of the Joint Director AH, LF & VS West District, in the first week of February, received complaints about an outbreak of disease amongst dogs in Chumbung and adjoining areas of Pelling in West Sikkim. On receipt of this report, Director, West, Dr S.P Bhutia was directed to survey the area.
Dr Bhutia, it is informed, inspected the area and also observed mortality of a few dogs. He reported his clinical diagnosis based on the temperature of hyperthermial stage, discharge from the eyes & nose, saliva from rim orifice, skin eruptions followed by chorea based on which he concluded that the out break was canine distemper.
However he suggested V.O DVH, Gyalshing to under go complement fixation test for laboratory confirmation. He suggested dog owners to keep all healthy dogs away from infected ones. Similarly he advised isolation of infected dogs and to keep them under intensive care. Treatment was also given for nearly two weeks wherein to combat secondary bacterial infection course of antibiotic with antipyretic was given. To control dehydration glucose therapy through intravenous route was also given.
Now the situation is under control to some extent. However the recovered dogs may act as carrier along with exposed ones. So in order to eradicate the disease from the root, Joint Director VS, Krishi Bhawan Tadong had been requested to provide Canine distemper vaccine approximately 300 doses for this area, which is now taken as canine distemper prone zone. Simultaneously, a team of Veterinarian & Para Veterinarian was engaged to keep a watch on the disease, subsequently on 02 March they encountered similar symptoms in dogs at Gyalshing Bazaar.
Now observing the epidemiological aspect of this disease, all dogs owners are advised to keep their dogs under strict captivity. Proper maintenance of sanitation and hygiene of dog asylum (Shed).On the other hand stray dogs /owner less dogs are creating problems in the vicinity especially these tourist destinations.
Accordingly, the Office of the Joint Director AH,LF&VS West District has requested all dog owners to register their pets and has urged for cooperation from the public in the efforts by SARAH division of AH,LF &VS Department to bring down the stray dog population.