Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
Hi Marti,
It's all about the minimal exposure I spoke about: 5 minutes on the ground, once a week and go home. Very different mingling continuously with infected animals, nose to nose. Can't compare the two.
I'm guessing the logic on euthanasia is based on history, but I'd ask them. They've probably lost most of the dogs in their care from past distemper outbreaks. It's a deadly disease. Euthanasia is extreme, but for a shelter, economically viable compared to nursing a kennel full of dogs with distemper that will likely die later. Or, if they don't, will not be placeable.