A visit to the shelter at Bang Khanun Forest Park by Phuket MP re-elect Chalermpong Saengdee last week confirmed that the outbreak, which began in mid-January, has yet to subside.
The disease, which attacks the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems of dogs, is being reassessed every two weeks, but staff report that dogs are still falling ill and dying on a daily basis.
The shelter, located in Thalang District, currently cares for approximately 1,077 dogs. With infections spreading among the population, management has taken the decision to temporarily stop accepting new arrivals until the situation is brought under control.
Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that can cause fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, neurological complications and, in severe cases, death. It spreads easily among unvaccinated dogs through close contact, shared food and water bowls, and contaminated environments.
The shelter receives funding from the local government at a rate of B13 per dog per day. Officials said the facility uses between 9,000 and 9,300 kilogrammes of dog food per month – or around 300kg per day – to feed the animals in its care. Nine staff members are responsible for supervising and caring for the dogs.
Beyond the immediate health crisis, the outbreak has exacerbated existing infrastructure challenges at the facility. Among the most urgent concerns are the nearly full dog carcass burial pit and the dog waste disposal pit, both of which require prompt attention to prevent environmental and public health impacts.
Shelter representatives also highlighted the need for broader improvements to bring the facility up to standard and enhance animal welfare. Proposed upgrades include trimming overgrown trees, repairing and improving the perimeter wall, pouring concrete floors in dog kennels, constructing additional dog shelters, and providing raised chairs or beds to keep dogs off damp ground.
The shelter is seeking assistance in coordinating with relevant government agencies to secure support for these improvements. Officials said upgrading the facility would not only improve the quality of life for the dogs but also help minimise any impact on surrounding communities.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the outbreak closely, with further assessments expected in the coming weeks.