Distemper

Canine Distemper is a disease caused by a paramyxovirus. The virus is transmitted by inhaling contagious particles or coming into direct contact with infected individuals. The virus is passed through the feces, urine and secretions of infected animals. Cases of this disease occur year-round but tend to occur more often in the spring and summer when many wildlife species are having offspring.

Signs include discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, coughing, vomiting and thickening of the nose and footpads. Canine distemper can also have a neurologic phase that produces signs similar to rabies, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the two diseases without testing. Learn more about rabies.

Canine Distemper is often fatal, especially for juvenile animals, and has a mortality rate of nearly 100% in mustelids (weasels, otter, mink, ferret, etc.) 

People are not at risk of contracting canine distemper. However, dogs can become infected. The disease has a mortality rate of 50% in adult dogs and 80% in puppies. The best prevention is having your pets vaccinated. If you or your pet have come into direct contact with an animal showing symptoms of this disease, contact your local animal control.