Pet owners panic as deadly virus hits Goa’s dogs, government issues warning

The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has urged dog owners in Goa to vaccinate their pets following a rise in Canine Distemper cases in parts of the state.

In an advisory, the department said the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) primarily affects unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated dogs.

It noted that early symptoms—such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, watery or purulent nasal and eye discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, and hardening of the nose and paw pads—can resemble rabies, sometimes leading to unnecessary panic, The Goan reported.

Officials clarified that Canine Distemper is not transmissible to humans. The disease spreads among dogs through saliva, respiratory droplets, or contact with the urine or faeces of infected animals.

As the infection advances, it can affect the nervous system, causing muscle twitching, convulsions, paralysis, head tilt, circling movements, and seizures.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), all dogs are at risk of contracting Canine Distemper, particularly puppies under four months old and those not vaccinated against the virus.

Common clinical signs include:

Eye and nasal discharge

Fever

Coughing

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Vomiting and diarrhoea

When the virus attacks the nervous system, dogs may exhibit:

Circling or disoriented walking

Head tilt

Lack of coordination

Muscle twitches

Convulsions with jaw movements (“chewing gum fits”) and drooling

Seizures

Partial or complete paralysis