Joshua Tree National Park rangers have determined that canine distemper has infected animals in the park. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the fatal disease can cross species and infect animals other than dogs…
An outbreak of canine distemper has been identified in a gray fox population in a remote region of the park.
On March 3, the National Wildlife Health Center necropsied a lung of a deceased fox which tested positive for the disease. Canine distemper is a highly contagious and lethal viral disease, and can spread across species and infect foxes, mountain lions, and canines. Distemper is not known to infect humans.
Dogs are generally vaccinated for canine distemper, and if so, are protected from the virus.
For the safety of your pets, and park wildlife, dogs must always remain on a leash and only within approved areas of the park.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends the following to protect your pet, and wildlife:
Pets:
- Put away food and water before dark. This applies to residences as well as campsites. Leaving these things out is an attractant.
- Once your pets are inside for the night, lock all pet doors to avoid potential contact.
Property:
- Replace plastic trashcans with metal ones and secure the top. Secure trashcans to a fence.
- If you catch an animal during a trashcan raid, do not attempt to pick up or corner the animal. Use bright lights or loud noises to encourage the visitor to leave.
- Close the areas around decks, hot tubs, spas, sheds, porches, foundations, and stairways.
- Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other prey.
For more information about canine distemper, visit: https://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/tag/distemper/
