In the past five months, Alachua County has had an outbreak of a somewhat uncommon but serious virus that affects dogs.
However, there is free treatment.
The Alachua County Veterinary Medical Association is providing free distemper vaccinations to spayed and neutered dogs until Nov. 23.
Distemper is a virus that affects mostly puppies and stray dogs, said Denise Seufert, a veterinarian at the Butler Plaza Animal Hospital.
The virus begins as a runny nose and cough, according to a press release about the free vaccination program. It can eventually lead to pneumonia, seizures and possible death.
Seufert said her practice participates in the program.
Once the disease advances, dogs "walk almost like they are drunk, like they don't have any control over their legs," Seufert said.
Her animal hospital has already given out 121 vaccinations since the free program began on Sept. 23., she said.
"I don't know if this will ever be repeated because to my knowledge we have never had a distemper outbreak like this in 15 years," Seufert said.
Because the virus spreads so easily, Alachua County Animal Shelter has had to euthanize about 130 puppies and 470 adult dogs since June that appeared to have the beginning stages of distemper, she said.
"Just like you or I, when we cough or sneeze it can spread several feet," Seufert said.
The motivation behind the discounted pet services came from a California-based organization called Maddie's Fund. The organization provides grants to animal shelters that promote a no-kill philosophy.
Because the vaccination only works to boost a dog's immune system and does not eliminate the virus, Seufert said it is important to get dogs vaccinated as soon as possible.
