LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Animal Services was forced to close Friday over a case of canine distemper.

In a Facebook post, LMAS said it had to close both buildings on Newburg Road in order to sanitize them from top to bottom due to one case of distemper.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs' respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems, according to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. There is no specific treatment or medication for canine distemper. The virus can be fatal, especially for puppies.

The virus can be transmitted from infected dogs to other dogs through coughs, sneezes, tears, saliva, urine and feces. Dogs that are sick or have recently recovered from a case of distemper are at a higher risk of transmitting the virus.

Young dogs that are 2-6 months old and unvaccinated puppies older than six weeks are most commonly infected, but dogs of all ages can develop distemper if they are exposed to it and aren't properly vaccinated. 

Common symptoms of canine distemper include: swollen and painful eyes with white or clear mucous discharge from the eyes and/or nose, sneezing, fever, loss of appetite or interest in drinking, a dry cough that develops into a more wet cough and breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, seizures and tremors and more. 

The most common way to prevent canine distemper is by getting your dog a CDV vaccine, which experts said is a core vaccine recommended for all dogs. It begins with a series of vaccines when in the puppy stage, with the first booster given one year later and additional boosters given every three years to maintain immunity.

LMAS said the plan is to reopen Saturday at noon. Updates will be provided as necessary on social media. 

To learn more about distemper, signs to watch for, treatment and prevention, click here or on the social media post from LMAS below.

Related Stories:

Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.