MIDLAND, Texas — 94 dogs in the Midland Animal Shelter have tested positive for the canine distemper virus (CDV), according to a report from the Midland Animal Shelter. 111 dogs were tested in total.
This comes after a canine distemper outbreak in the City of Midland's shelter in late March.
As of Thursday, April 18, 30 dogs have a high presence of CDV RNA, which indicates active infections are happening. 42 dogs have a medium presence of the virus and 22 dogs have a low level of CDV.
17 dogs have tested negative for the virus. However, 11 of the 17 dogs have been in close proximity with "kennelmates" that tested positive.
The city said they've been consulting with multiple organizations to find the most effective way to address the outbreak of distemper at the Midland Animal Shelter.
“Throughout this process, we've also been working with experts. We've been working with the manufacturer of our vaccine to change any protocols. We've been working with Texas A&M's diagnostic laboratory on different testing procedures and how to proceed. We've also been working with Purdue,” said Melissa Griffin-Hobson, animal services manager for the City of Midland.
However, the city said they’ve also contacted numerous West Texas and out of town rescue groups and shelters to coordinate and facilitate the transfer of any animals they can accommodate by the end of Saturday, April 20.
After Saturday, they plan to take the infected canines and humanely euthanize them as a last resort in order to control the spread of the virus and prevent further suffering.
“Even if we treated and saved all of them, which is unlikely because the survival rate is so low, they will continue to pass it for the next several months," Griffin-Hobson said. "So we have to protect the community and the community’s animals and so it's a risk that we just cannot take.”
She also said the community needs to do what they can as well to make sure something like this won't happen again.
"Without the community support, we will never be able to get over problems like this," Griffin-Hobson said. "As I mentioned, we could have the best practices, but if they're not spaying and neutering their animals, which prevents them from getting out because they're looking for a mate or vaccinating, then eventually, another animal will come into our facility, and we'll be in this position again. So, you know, we cannot do this without the citizens of Midland."
Following euthanasia, the Midland Animal Shelter will be closed to the public from Monday, April 22, to Wednesday, April 24, to undergo a deep cleaning and disinfection process.