The Farmington Regional Animal Shelter announced last week that it has discovered an increase in the number of canine distemper at the shelter.

The shelter vaccinates incoming dogs, but spread within the shelter is still possible.

To contain the spread of the disease, the shelter has halted intake of stray or surrendered dogs and has halted adoptions. Deep cleaning protocols are in place, and all dogs are being monitored for the disease, the shelter said.

Canine distemper is a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system of dogs, ferrets, and some wildlife species such as raccoons and skunks.

“Since August 1st, we have taken in over 600 dogs and puppies, the majority of which are unvaccinated,” the shelter said in a news release. “The public can help by spaying and neutering their animals, keeping their animals up to date on vaccinations and trying to find the owners of stray animals before bringing them to the shelter.”

Until further notice stray dogs cannot be accepted at the shelter. If you find a stray, consider fostering it temporarily or trying to find its owner through social networks like Facebook and Next Door. Nor will FRAS be accepting dogs for owner surrender. This is an effort to halt the in-shelter spread of the disease and not expose new dogs to distemper.

The shelter encourages people to visit one of the other local shelter or rescue groups including Aztec Animal Shelter or La Plata Humane Society.

To volunteer to be an emergency foster home for dogs or for more information, visit fmtn.org/AnimalShelter or call (505) 599-1098.