Distemper virus attack suspected in Thrissur

Nipah scare at Thekkumkara as toddy cats die

July 04, 2019 11:12 pm | Updated July 05, 2019 07:57 am IST - Thrissur

Health officials collecting toddy cats at Thekkumkara.

Health officials collecting toddy cats at Thekkumkara.

Health officials suspect distemper virus attack at Thekkumkara grama panchayat, near Wadakkanchery, following the death of five toddy cats (Asian Palm Civet) during the last three days.

However, they said the people need not panic as it would not spread from animals to human beings.

The incident was reported from the uninhabited Gudallur Mana at Thekkumkara. When people found dead toddy cats two days ago, they buried them.

But when they found more dead cats, they informed the health officials. District health officials reached the spot and conducted examinations.

Forest and veterinary officials have also reached the place.

Samples of dead cats have been sent to the Regional Disease Diagnostic Lab. Preliminary examinations indicate distemper virus attack. More tests are being conducted.

According to the District Medical Officer, distemper disease is found in animals like toddy cats.

But they will not spread to human beings. They will not spread to cattle or poultry birds too, according to the health officials.

Meanwhile, there was panic in the area as people suspected Nipah virus attack on the dead toddy cats.

The disease

Distemper viral disease affects a variety of animals such as cats and dogs. It affects their body systems such as gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, spinal cord and brain.

Common symptoms include high fever, eye inflammation, eye/nose discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and lethargy. Animals which have been vaccinated will be immune to the disease.

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