Distemper cases on the rise in the Valley?

PHOENIX - A new strain of distemper in dogs is spreading at an alarming rate throughout the country and here in the Valley.
 
Dr. Nancy Bradley with the Arizona Humane Society said this is the season for distemper but the cases are coming earlier this year and the incubation for this new strain is much longer.
 
"This is major stuff we're seeing," she said.
 
Bradley said that the strain was discovered in 2007. However, the cases have been increasing over the past few years. The reason for the increase she believes is because people simply are not keeping up with their pets' vaccines.   
 
There is some concern that the strains could be resistant to vaccines but she said keeping up on them is your best protection.
 
"Check with your veterinarian, that is probably the best prevention you can do," she said.
 
She also advises that you be on alert when you take your dog to parks or other places where they might be in contact with other dogs.
 
A sick dog may show only subtle symptoms like runny nose, runny eyes, or a cough.
 
The symptoms will get worse and more severe symptoms like seizures can result.
 
About 50 percent of the dogs that get sick will die from the disease.
 
In other states, Bradley said that some shelters have had to be quarantined because of the spread of the disease.