The Rand West SPCA has sent out a warning to the public about the outbreak of canine distemper, saying the facility has since been quarantined as part of the efforts to bring the disease under control.

Nadia du Plessis, manager of the Rand West SPCA said the outbreak resulted from the intake of surrendered animals believed to have been carrying the virus. Du Plessis said distemper is an airborne virus that spreads rapidly and currently has no cure.

Dogs may initially appear healthy, only to become sick later, which is what happened here,” Du Plessis said.

She said the decision to quarantine the facility was taken after consulting with animal experts.

“Sadly, given the seriousness of the virus, humane euthanasia had to be considered for certain dogs.”

Du Plessis said quarantine procedures will interfere with the normal services of the SPCA, with some being suspended.

“During this period no dog adoptions will be processed as we cannot risk potentially virus-carrying dogs being adopted and the virus being spread outside our facility.

We will continue to accept stray and unwanted animals (under strict isolation protocol) at the branch and our inspectorate will operate as normal. For all other services, please refer to our Randfontein branch,” Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis said all adoptions will be done at the Randfontein branch as it has not been affected. However, the SPCA will continue to monitor the situation there and will implement similar measures if necessary.

“We urge all dog owners to have the animals vaccinated. The first symptoms of the virus include sneezing, coughing and thick mucus discharged from the snouts and eyes, fever, lethargy, sudden vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.”

Du Plessis also urged the public to support the SPCA during this period by donating towards disinfectants and cleaning products as extreme but costly hygiene protocols are followed daily.

People can either donate cash via Snapchat or goods such as Domestos/ bleach, chlorine tablets, brooms, mops buckets and plastic tubs etc.

The health and well-being of all animals in our care must take priority at all times, and we are doing everything we can to contain the threat of a full-on outbreak in our kennels,” Du Plessis said.