Outbreak prompts Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter to discount vaccines
SANTA CRUZ >> A recent outbreak of distemper has prompted the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter to offer vaccination and microchipping discount package.
In recent weeks, the animal control division of the animal shelter has seen an increase of distemper in racoons on the Westside of Santa Cruz. To combat the spread, the animal shelter is offering a $10 package of inoculations.
The package will include the DA2pp distemper and parvo shot for dogs, the FVRCP distemper shot for cats, a rabies inoculation and a microchip. Normally, a distemper vaccine is $20 and doesn’t come with other benefits.
The $10 package is for currently licensed animals. Unlicensed animals will have an additional licensing fee attached. The fee will be an additional $29 for spayed and neutered animals and an additional $100 for animals that have not been spayed or neutered.
The animal shelter also offers a program to get animals fixed called Planned Pethood. The program cost is adjusted based on the owner’s income. Owners interested in checking off as many boxes as possible can sign up for the program while getting their animal vaccinated.
The package will be available on two days from 1-3 p.m., March 18 and 25. Pet owners are not required to get all of the items offered in order to be eligible for the discount. They can get any one, or all, of the items and still receive the discount as long as they come during the promoted times.
“It’s not necessarily a worry,” said Program Development Manager Erika Smart. “It’s more we want people to make sure their pets are up to date on vaccines. During COVID times, some animals might be out of date on their vaccines.”
However, Smart did note there should be a sense of urgency. Many animals can be affected by distemper and it has no known cure. Therefore, if an owner is unable to make it to the animal shelter for inoculations, they should check with their local vet.
The distemper outbreak began on Feb. 17 on Ingalls Street, according to Smart. Since then, animal control officers have seen an about two case per day increase. The outbreak has spread to National Street but remains on the Westside as far as animal control is aware.
Animals suffering from distemper will exhibit caked up eyes as if they have a cold according to Smart. They will also have uncoordinated movements and not act like a normal animal would. Wild animals affected by the disease have been known to be disoriented and not flee when humans approach. Instead, they stare and act like they’re unafraid.
“Basically, distemper affects the brain in animals,” Smart said.
In order to protect pets from the spread of distemper, the animal shelter is urging owners to make sure their pets are up to date on their vaccinations. Pet owners are also advised to bring outdoor food and water bowls inside, as distemper is an airborne disease and spreads communally. Affected raccoons can leave the disease behind at night when they snack on outdoor food or water.
“Distemper is like a contagious viral disease,” Smart said. “It can affect lots of different mammals across the board. Which is why it’s so important for pet owners to make sure their pets are up to date on their vaccines.”