In response to growing concerns from dog owners regarding recent cases of canine distemper, the Costa Rican College of Veterinarians is calling for increased vigilance and preventive measures to curb the spread of this serious disease affecting dogs and wildlife.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral illness that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs.

“This is not a new virus; it’s found worldwide,” said Dr. Silvia Coto, president of the College of Veterinarians. “What we’re seeing now is increased awareness due to social media reports. Regardless, to prevent an outbreak, dog owners must act responsibly and have their pets vaccinated by a trusted veterinarian.”

Vaccination remains the most effective defense against canine distemper. The vaccine is typically administered as part of a combination shot, often labeled DAPP or DA2PP, that also protects against other common canine viruses. It is considered a “core” vaccine, meaning it is recommended for all dogs.

Puppies require a series of initial vaccinations at specific intervals, followed by booster shots to maintain immunity into adulthood. For dogs that have never been vaccinated, are overdue, or have incomplete vaccine records, veterinarians can develop an appropriate vaccination schedule based on age and health.

Health authorities emphasize that only licensed veterinarians are authorized to administer the canine distemper vaccine. Veterinary assistants, breeders, and other individuals are not legally permitted to do so. Additionally, the vaccine should be given at veterinary clinics to ensure proper storage and handling. If the cold chain is broken, that is, if the vaccine is not kept at the correct temperature, it may lose effectiveness.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), all dogs are susceptible to canine distemper. Puppies under four months of age and unvaccinated dogs are at especially high risk.

The virus is not limited to domestic dogs. It can infect a variety of carnivorous mammals, including foxes, raccoons, and, less commonly, cats, though felines are unlikely to become ill.

Canine distemper initially compromises the immune system, making dogs vulnerable to other infections.

As it progresses, the virus typically causes eye and nasal discharge, fever, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

In more advanced stages, neurological symptoms may appear, including walking in circles or loss of direction, head tilt, lack of coordination, muscle twitches, seizures with chewing-like jaw movements and drooling, partial or full paralysis.

The disease may also cause a thickening of the nose and paw pads, a condition sometimes called “hard pad disease.” If infection occurs before adult teeth come in, permanent tooth damage can result.

“If your dog displays any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately,” the AVMA advises. “Canine distemper is a serious illness; approximately 50% of infected dogs do not survive. While survivors develop lifelong immunity, they often suffer irreversible neurological damage.”

The virus is transmitted primarily through airborne exposure, including sneezing, coughing, or barking. Shared food and water bowls or other contaminated surfaces can also spread the disease. Infected dogs may shed the virus in bodily fluids for months, and mother dogs can pass it to their unborn puppies.

Wild animals can contract and spread the virus as well. Outbreaks among local wildlife, such as raccoons or foxes, among others, can elevate the risk to domestic pets, particularly unvaccinated dogs, which may in turn become vectors for wildlife infections.

To help limit the spread of canine distemper, officials recommend the following:

• Avoid taking unvaccinated puppies to places where other dogs congregate, such as parks, pet stores, training classes, daycare centers, and grooming salons.

• Choose facilities that require up-to-date vaccinations and health checks.

• Isolate sick dogs from other pets, including those in the same household.

• Prevent contact with infected dogs or contaminated areas.

• Keep dogs away from wild animals.

Anyone who suspects a case of canine distemper should contact the nearest veterinary clinic or report it to Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) at (506) 2587-1600.

A.M. Costa Rica urges readers to help raise awareness by sharing this canine distemper alert with their communities.