New Mexico animal shelter sees distemper outbreak
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — An animal shelter in southern New Mexico is battling an unusual outbreak of canine distemper.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports officials say around two dozen dogs believed to be infected with distemper recently were euthanized at the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley.
In addition, seven dogs at the shelter have tested positive for distemper and are being treated.
Clint Thacker, the center's executive director, says distemper occurs frequently at public shelters. But he says what makes this outbreak unusual is the large number of animals sent by the shelter to rescue organizations that developed distemper symptoms after arriving at rescue facilities.