Humane Society of North Texas seeks help in battle against distemper

Humane Society of North Texas seeks help in battle against distemper
Humane Society of North Texas seeks help in battle against distemper Photo credit Humane Society of North Texas

The Humane Society of North Texas is putting out an appeal for financial donations as it treats more than a hundred dogs for distemper at its animal shelter in Fort Worth.

Officials say the outbreak was detected a few weeks ago with a handful of cases but has spread to other dogs at the facility.

The canine distemper virus causes vomiting, coughing, fever and other symptoms in dogs. It can even be fatal. It is not transmissible to humans, cats or other animals. Treating it is expensive and labor-intensive.

Donate: Humane Society of North Texas

Humane Society staffers are feeding many dogs by hand while wearing personal protective equipment. They're also still responsible for caring for the healthy cats and other animals at the shelter.

More than 150 dogs at the shelter are currently receiving some form of medical treatment. Another 190 have been isolated in the shelter or in foster care to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Officials with the Humane Society of North Texas say they need prayers, well-wishes and donations. They're accepting contributions on their website.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Humane Society of North Texas