In recent months, shelters and veterinary professionals across the country have been faced with various outbreaks of the contagious canine virus called distemper. Areas in Toronto, Florida, and North Carolina have found themselves with handfuls of ill animals needing quarantine and medical attention.

Particularly frightening is the outbreak in Toronto that garnered a heap of attention just a few weeks ago, where skunks and raccoons were dying in droves. The outbreak was first detected in May 2009 by Toronto Animal Services, reported The Toronto Star, and pet parents were warned to keep their pets close.

“If you see a raccoon lying on a sidewalk in the middle of the day, call Toronto Animal Services – and keep your dog on a tight leash,” wrote Raveena Aulakh for The Star.

Distemper is a debilitating disease and is similar to measles, says Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Though it can become fatal in wildlife such as skunks and raccoons, as is the case in Toronto, it can also be transmitted to dogs and cats, who have a higher rate of survival. Eletta Purdy of Toronto Animal Services warned Toronto residents that they should make sure their pets are vaccinated.

“It’s not transferable to humans but there is definitely a high risk to unvaccinated cats and dogs,” Purdy told The Star. (more…)