Marcia Mayeda, Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2026

CONTACT: Christopher Valles, accpio@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control Addresses Canine Distemper Outbreak
at Baldwin Park Animal Care Center

The Baldwin Park Animal Care Center (ACC) is actively addressing a recent outbreak of canine distemper among dogs brought into the facility. DACC’s veterinary leadership team is closely monitoring the situation as the health and well-being of all animals in our care remains our highest priority. These cases reflect that distemper is present in the community, placing a severe health risk to unvaccinated dogs.

Currently, 13 dogs have tested positive for distemper. DACC’s regular practice has always been to practice best standards for animal shelter medicine. These include:

• Regular Vaccination Protocols: DACC vaccinates all dogs and cats against core diseases, including canine distemper for dogs. Booster vaccines are provided to dogs that have been in our care for longer than two weeks.
• Continued Monitored Testing: DACC proactively conducts surveillance testing for diseases among animals in our care. This practice helped identify the distemper outbreak promptly, allowing us to implement enhanced cleaning and housing practices to remediate the threat.
In response to this outbreak DACC has implemented several additional protocols to mitigate the spread of the disease and protect our animal population.
• Temporary Suspension of Dog Surgeries: To safeguard the health of our dogs, DACC has temporarily suspended all dog surgeries as these procedures can weaken a dog’s immune system. Adopters are required to pay a $50 spay/neuter (trust) deposit, which is refunded after the surgery is performed. DACC tracks all adoptions to ensure unsterilized dogs receive their surgery.
• Temporary Suspension of Dog Interactions: While adoptions will continue for dogs that are fully vaccinated and “Ready To Go Home,” dog interactions before adoption will cease to reduce contamination of shared areas and not stress dogs’ immune systems.
• Enhanced Cleaning Protocols: DACC has intensified our cleaning measures, and all kennels are thoroughly cleaned between occupants.
• Extra Dog Vaccination Clinic for the Public: DACC will be scheduling a dog vaccination clinic for the communities serviced by the Baldwin Park ACC. Check DACC’s website for updates at animalcare.lacounty.gov.

Despite these proactive measures, we continue to see locally acquired cases of canine distemper in dogs brought to the Baldwin Park ACC. Based on DACC data, new cases are emerging from various geographical areas within the regions serviced by the Baldwin Park ACC, making containment a continuous challenge. Canine distemper can be transmitted by wildlife such as racoons and coyotes. It is important to keep pets away from wildlife and not leave food and water bowls outside that might attract wild animals.

“The wellbeing of the animals in the County’s Department of Animal Care and Control’s care, as well as those in our communities, is nonnegotiable,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “Vaccination of pets is critical to preventing outbreaks that impact the lives of pets, pet owners and can impact the public health of communities across our County. By taking proactive measures to protect the health of the animals in our care and community utilizing free vaccination services offered, together we can all work towards a better, safer environment for the pets in our lives.”

“The health and safety of our animals and the community are our top priorities” said Director Marcia Mayeda. “We are taking every precaution necessary to contain this outbreak and urge all pet owners to ensure their dogs are vaccinated against this preventable disease.”

DACC urges the community to vaccinate their dogs as it is an essential way to keep pets safe from this serious and often fatal disease. Pet owners should be aware of the signs of canine distemper, which can include:

• Fever, coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, disorientation loss of appetite, and eye discharge and inflammation

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention from your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can be vital in managing the disease and ensuring the best possible outcome for your pet.

About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)

DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). To support DACC’s efforts, please donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at https://lacountyanimals.org/. To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/.

About the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation supports the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control through fundraising which supports spay and neuter programs, pet adoptions, public education, disaster response, and animal welfare. Many of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts have enabled the department to enhance the care given to animals in the County animal care centers. To learn more, visit https://lacountyanimals.org.