Kern County Animal Services (KCAS) is urging pet owners to vaccinate their animals after 14 dogs in the shelter tested positive for canine distemper. 

Distemper is a highly contagious, and potentially deadly, virus. There is no cure, however it can be prevented through vaccination. Symptoms of the disease include runny nose, watery eyes, fever, lethargy, and neurological symptoms like twitching. 

According to KCAS, in late August and early September, they were notified of several dogs being treated or euthanized for signs of distemper. On Wednesday, September 5, dogs being treated for illness at KCAS were tested, and 14 tests came back as positive.

KCAS is asking anyone who has adopted a dog from KCAS in the last 30 days and is showing symptoms of illness to contact them for testing and supportive care. They are also encouraging owners to vaccinate their pets.