KMC urges vigilance as ‘distemper’ disease surfaces in community dogs – myRepublica

KATHMANDU, Dec 12: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has issued a warning to stay vigilant as cases of ‘distemper’ disease have been reported among community dogs in certain areas.

Dr Awadhesh Jha, chief of KMC Veterinary Department, emphasized that this disease poses a serious threat to dogs, manifesting symptoms such as fever, difficulty eating, snoring, and swelling in the nose and eyes. Other indications include coughing, vomiting, thin diarrhea, scurvy-like symptoms, limping, and teeth grinding.

Chief Jha confirmed the disease through testing based on information provided by locals. While easily transmissible among dogs, it does not affect humans. Following the confirmation, the metropolis has initiated disease management procedures.

The KMC Veterinary Department has urged the public to report any community dog displaying such symptoms by calling the toll-free numbers 16600105511 and 1180. As the disease spreads from dog to dog, pet owners are advised not to take their animals to affected areas and to ensure their dogs are vaccinated against the disease.

To curb the uncontrolled breeding of community dogs, the metropolis has commenced sterilization efforts. Approximately 6000 dogs are slated for sterilization and rabies vaccination by December. The current estimate places the community dog population in the metropolis at around 22,000.