Nearly 200 dogs have been impounded across three Overstrand communities as authorities battle a continuing canine distemper outbreak that poses serious health risks to the local dog population.
The Overstrand Municipality (OM), working alongside local animal welfare organisations, has recorded 189 impoundments to date as part of a coordinated response to contain the highly contagious viral disease. “Hermanus has been hardest hit with 122 impoundments, followed by Gansbaai with 36 and Kleinmond with 31,” Dean O’Neill, the OM Municipal Manager said.
The outbreak has prompted a joint operation involving Municipal Law Enforcement officers and three animal welfare societies: Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (Haws), Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society (Kaws), and the Birkenhead Animal Rescue Centre (Barc). “The respective animal welfare societies have been instrumental in managing stray dog impoundments in response to the outbreak,” O’Niell said.
According to experts the canine distemper attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs, making it particularly dangerous for unvaccinated animals. Early symptoms include runny nose, watery eyes, and sore throat, but the disease can progress to more severe neurological complications.
“The municipality has placed capture cages at local transfer stations to assist with the safe collection of roaming animals. Officers are actively collecting not only stray and sick dogs but also unwanted animals whose owners can no longer provide care due to financial constraints or food shortages,” O’Neill said.
Health officials emphasise that vaccination remains the most effective protection against the disease, with immunization recommended from as early as six weeks of age. “Early vaccination not only prevents unnecessary suffering but also protects the broader dog population from infection,” a health official explained.
The removal of infected animals from the population is considered essential to prevent further spread of the virus throughout the communities. Residents who encounter sick, stray, or unwanted dogs are urged to contact the Overstrand Municipal Law Enforcement Control Room immediately. The 24-hour hotline operates at 028 313 8996.
