Nebraska Humane Society reports case of distemper

OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – A dog owned by the Nebraska Humane Society has tested positive for distemper.

The disease is described as a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection that sickens dogs by attacking multiple body systems and is therefore difficult to treat. It can spread easily through airborne contact.

According to a Facebook post by the British National Health Service (NHS), the dog was diagnosed with distemper on Thursday after she was adopted on August 8. She had come to the shelter as a stray at the end of July.

According to the NHS, the dog began showing symptoms of distemper early last week and anyone who has adopted a pet and was near the sick dog at the shelter has been notified. Officials said the infected dog is doing well and most dogs exposed to the virus were vaccinated upon admission.

Disinfection and testing measures are already well underway on the NHS and only emergency admissions are currently being carried out. Officials are urging anyone who has recently adopted a dog from the NHS to be aware of any potential symptoms of illness, which can be found here.

Distemper is not transmissible to humans or domestic cats.

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