Chimi Dema  | Wangdue

A Canine Distemper outbreak in Bajo town and nearby areas in Wangdue has so far killed more than 10 stray dogs and infected about five pet dogs.

A resident in the Military Training Center in Tencholing said that about nine dogs have died in the vicinity since the first case appeared.

The infection has killed about six dogs in the core town since the outbreak of the disease a month ago, a dzongkhag veterinary official said.

The official said that the number of infected stray dogs was more, but a few of them have recovered with care from the residents.

Residents say that the dogs become aggressive. “A group of dogs were found lethargic and lying down in the town, indicating symptoms of infection,” a resident said. 

Although it does not pose much threat to the health of the public, officials advise residents to take precaution while handling infected dogs given that the disease is widespread.

Canine distemper is a contagious viral disease that affects a dog’s gastrointestinal, respiratory, and the central nervous system, as well as the conjunctiva membranes of the eyes.

The dzongkhag livestock official said that the outbreak recurs every four or five years. The best way to prevent the disease is to vaccinate the animal.