Original Article: https://www.austinpetsalive.org/blog/a-lifesaving-request-from-dr-jefferson
Jun 16, 2021
Not far from APA!, our friends at the Bastrop County Animal Shelter reached out to us for emergency help, as their shelter is facing an outbreak of distemper. All their kennels are full and the pets inside are facing euthanasia to make room for incoming pets. This news is devastating, and we want to help.
The Bastrop County Animal Shelter said their greatest need is for us to help them save the lives of 20 dogs. The dogs have tested positive and may come down with signs of distemper. They need a place to stay while recovering – so their foster homes need to have no other dogs or ferrets, or fully-vaccinated adult dogs with healthy immune systems.
These dogs are friendly and adoptable, yet they are facing euthanasia if they cannot find foster homes over the next 48 hours.
Distemper is a contagious disease of dogs, coyotes, raccoons and other wildlife. It can cause fever, lethargy, anorexia, and respiratory illness. The virus is spread in the respiratory secretions and urine of infected animals. It’s easily prevented with routine vaccinations and vaccinated pets are not at great risk (much like COVID). Distemper does not infect domestic cats, people, pocket pets (like hamsters or sugar gliders, but does infect ferrets) or birds.
If you can foster a dog in the next 48 hours, please email [email protected] and someone will respond right away. If you’re not able to foster but still want to help pets in Bastrop, please consider donating to their Amazon wishlist.
We are so grateful for the generosity of the greater Austin community for opening both hearts and homes to the pets from APA!, Bastrop and anywhere there is a need.
Source: Austin Pets Alive
