Pinellas County park authorities advise caution to campers at Ft. De Soto State Park due to the discovery of a dangerous dog virus on the campground. On Wednesday, a notification surfaced on the reservation website, confirming the existence of canine distemper disease.
As per the American Veterinary Medical Association, canine distemper results from a virus that targets dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Experts note the virus usually spreads through airborne exposure via sneezing, coughing, or barking, and through shared food and water items. Infected dogs can be contagious for up to four months. Although the virus can affect dogs of all kinds, it poses a significant risk to unvaccinated dogs and puppies under four months old.
