Canine Distemper Surge in Goa: Unvaccinated Dogs at Risk

Goa:  The Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Goa has issued a public alert following a rise in cases of Canine Distemper across the state. The advisory, issued on 30 October 2025, warns that unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated dogs are most at risk from the disease. 

Canine Distemper is caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and affects dogs through saliva, respiratory droplets or contact with urine or feces of infected animals. The early signs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, watery or purulent discharge from the nose or eyes, and symptoms such as coughing, vomiting and diarrhea. As the disease progresses it may affect the nervous system, resulting in muscle twitching, convulsions, paralysis, seizures, and head-tilt. 

Officials emphasise that while the virus is highly contagious among dogs, it is not transmissible to humans. The department urges pet owners to follow these key measures: ensure timely and regular vaccination according to veterinary schedules, avoid letting healthy dogs mix with stray or sick animals,maintain good hygiene, proper nutrition and stress-free living conditions for pets, and report any suspected cases immediately to the nearest government veterinary dispensary or hospital. 

While there is no specific antiviral treatment for Canine Distemper, early veterinary care can improve outcomes by managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections. Mild cases sometimes recover, but advanced nervous system involvement often carries a poor prognosis. The advisory also notes that vaccines and medications are not provided free of cost by the state government at this time. 

This alert reinforces the growing importance of responsible pet ownership in Goa, where vaccination and regular veterinary care play vital roles in protecting the health of both animals and communities. With the risk of Canine Distemper cases rising, timely vaccination remains the strongest defence.