July 2016 by Dr. Sandra Newbury

Audience: Executive Leadership, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team

Video Length: 93 minutes

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the most preventable infectious diseases we battle in animal shelters. As reassuring as that sounds, outbreaks continue to be a problem for sheltered dogs.

In a free Maddie's Fund® webcast, Sandra Newbury, DVM, Director of the University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program, will help shelters understand how to prevent distemper outbreaks, how to recognize the disease in its earliest stages, and what to do in response to an outbreak.

Join us for Understanding and Treating Canine Distemper Virus in Animal Shelters.

Attendees will learn:

  • To understand the basics of the distemper virus and its spread
  • How to use vaccination most effectively to prevent outbreaks
  • How to protect dogs in your shelter from CDV transmission
  • How to identify susceptible dogs
  • Special risk factors for puppies
  • The clinical signs of CDV
  • How to diagnose canine distemper
  • Elements of effective outbreak response
  • What to include in a long-term response plan, and why you need one

  • The presentation will also cover examples of life-saving strategies for responding to cases or outbreaks within the shelter.

    Bio photo of Dr. Sandra Newbury, smiling with a kitten on her left shoulder

    Sandra Newbury, DVM

    Dr. Sandra Newbury is director of the University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program and Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine in the School of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Medical Sciences. Dr. Newbury helped build the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, and served for six years on the board of directors of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, where she was the chair of the Shelter Standards Task Force.

    Dr. Newbury's focus is on partnerships among shelters, veterinarians and the community, aiming to decrease shelter intake and improve health, welfare and positive outcomes for homeless animals. Her academic work has focused on clinical studies in infectious disease, immunology, and population medicine to improve understanding of shelter animal health, disease response and animal welfare. Dr. Newbury travels throughout the year working with shelters and communities of all kinds across the US, and in Canada, Europe and Australia.

    Dr. Newbury and her son share their home in Madison with several, minimally compliant and beloved pets.