Canine Distemper disease hits Chobe

Chobe District’s principal veterinary officer Obakeng Kemolatlhe told Mmegi yesterday that the disease has been around Botswana for generations.  He said that some of the infected dogs recover and become carriers of the virus and infect other dogs. 

He said that usually the first signs of the disease to be observed are anorexia, runny nose and discharge from the eyes, but they are unique to CDV.  He added that about 10 days after the initial signs gastrointestinal and respiratory signs tend to set in followed by the thickening of footpads. He said that gastrointestinal and respiratory signs commonly observed are runny nose, vomiting and diarrhoea, dehydration, excessive salivation, coughing and laboured breathing, loss of appetite and weight loss.