Santa Cruz County Urges Pet Vaccinations Amid Uptick In Distemper

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is encouraging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats as officials observe a rise in distemper cases in the county.

Animal control officers have seen an increase in distemper cases in coyotes and raccoons, primarily in the Westside Santa Cruz area, the animal shelter said in a news release. Cases are starting to spread elsewhere.

Distemper is spread through airborne exposure, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. When it comes to pets, it's primarily found in dogs but has also been observed in cats.

"Canine distemper outbreaks in local raccoon populations can signal increased risk for pet dogs in the area," the AVMA wrote.

The disease is spread through airborne particles released through sneezing or coughing, according to the AVMA.

The contagious and serious viral disease has no known cure. Vaccination is the only way to prevent pets from becoming infected, the animal shelter said.

The animal shelter said it is offering the following $10 package to Santa Cruz County pet owners, from 1 to 3 p.m. March 18 and 25:

• DA2pp (Distemper/Parvo) vaccine for dogs, with current county license
• FVRCP for cats
• Rabies
• Microchip, including registration

County licenses can be bought the day of services for $29 for an altered pet, or $100 for an unaltered pet, the county said.