Madera County Animal Services is warning the public about an outbreak of canine distemper virus, a highly contagious disease affecting dogs and some wildlife, including raccoons and foxes.

Confirmed cases have been reported in the riverbed area within the city of Madera, officials said Tuesday.

Mell Garcia, founder of Mell’s Mutts in Fresno, who often takes in dogs from Madera, said the outbreak is not linked to the county shelter.

“This has nothing to do with the shelter; they do such a great job,” Garcia said.

Garcia said, in her experience, survival rates for infected dogs are very low and that the virus can spread to other areas quickly. She urged pet owners to ensure their dogs are vaccinated.

How It Spreads, Symptoms

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces and direct contact, Madera County officials said.

Symptoms include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and other neurological issues.

Pet owners are advised to keep vaccinations current and avoid dog parks or communal areas if their pets are unvaccinated or sick. Officials also recommend supervising dogs outdoors to limit exposure to strays or wildlife.

Suspected cases should be reported to the Madera Police Department at (559) 675-4220 or Madera County Animal Services at (559) 675-7891.

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