A Dangerous Virus Resurfaces in Local Shelters
The Coastal Bend Distemper Outbreak has prompted serious concern from Dr. Barbara Whitlock, Chief Veterinarian at the Gulf Coast Humane Society. First detected in October, the virus reached their shelter by February, highlighting just how fast and destructive distemper can be.
“Distemper is in the same family as measles,” Dr. Whitlock explained. “It’s highly contagious and can show up in different ways. Some dogs don’t even appear sick at first, which makes early detection especially difficult in a shelter setting.”
Misleading Symptoms Lead to Tragedy
What makes distemper especially dangerous is its deceptive onset. “It often looks like kennel cough,” Dr. Whitlock said. “That resemblance can delay proper diagnosis and containment.”
It was heartbreaking for Tyler Burns, a local foster dog parent. When he noticed something off, Burns was caring for two eight-week-old puppies, Winnie and Whiskey.
“Winnie had tremors in her legs,” he shared. “We weren’t sure what it was, but Whiskey seemed completely fine.”
A vet visit confirmed their worst fears—both puppies had contracted distemper. With no cure available and the threat of transmission to other animals, the decision was to euthanize them humanely.
“It was tough,” Burns said emotionally. “We bonded with those pups. But the virus is so contagious—we had no choice.”
Raising Awareness Amid Heartbreak
In light of the Coastal Bend Distemper Outbreak, Tyler Burns continues his commitment to fostering, despite the heartbreak of losing two puppies to the virus. He now shares his experience to raise awareness and help others avoid similar pain.
“Distemper has no cure,” he emphasized. “That’s why vaccination is so important. If you find a stray and already have pets at home, as hard as it is, don’t bring them in without understanding the risks.”
Burns hopes his message inspires dog owners and kindhearted individuals to take preventive steps seriously—beginning with proper vaccinations.
Vaccination: The Only Defense
Dr. Whitlock emphasizes that vaccinations are crucial for dogs of all ages—not just for puppies.
“Unlike parvo, distemper doesn’t just affect young dogs,” she said. “Older dogs can catch it too, especially if their vaccines are outdated or missing.”
The Humane Society has been proactive in responding, continuing to test positive cases for viral shedding. Fortunately, the shelter has not seen any new cases in nearly a month—a sign that the worst may be over for now.
“While distemper is similar to measles, it’s important to note that it cannot infect humans or cats,” Whitlock added.
A Community Responsibility
The recent outbreak is a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible pet care. Vaccinations remain the strongest—and only—protection against a virus that is not only incurable but also emotionally devastating for families.
Dr. Whitlock and other local veterinarians are strongly encouraging dog owners to keep their pets’ vaccinations current. At the same time, the Gulf Coast Humane Society is closely monitoring the situation, optimistic that their preventive measures have effectively curbed the outbreak.