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What is Distemper?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Distemper is a disease that affects a wide range of wild and domestic carnivores. It is often referred to as either canine or feline distemper, and these two illnesses are frequently confused. They are, however, caused by two completely different viral agents.

Caused by a paramyxovirus, canine distemper is an extremely contagious disease. It affects animals in the canine family, including wolves, foxes, coyotes, and domestic dogs. Particularly widespread, the virus has a higher death rate in juvenile animals than adults. The virus is highly resistant to cold, causing a high number of dog infection cases in the fall and winter. By contrast, it affects wild animals more frequently in the spring and summer, as juveniles are less resistant to infection.

Raccoons are susceptible to distemper.
Raccoons are susceptible to distemper.

The canine illness is transmitted through droplets in the air or direct contact. It may also be transmitted by contact with contaminated objects and ingestion of contaminated materials. The virus is excreted in the feces and urine of affected animals.

Symptoms in dogs include coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eye discharge, anorexia, and disturbances of the central nervous system may appear as well. Symptoms in wild carnivores include abnormal behavior and lack of fear, often resembling behavior seen in animals with rabies. Purulent conjunctivitis and nasal discharge may be evident as well. Some affected wild animals exhibit signs of neurological disturbances, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and labored breathing.

Distemper can affect wolves.
Distemper can affect wolves.

Supportive care is the only treatment for canine distemper. Vaccination of susceptible domestic animals and the removal of animal carcasses can help to control outbreaks. The reduction of wild carnivore populations can also help to decrease the availability of potential hosts.

Feline distemper is caused by a parvovirus. It is a highly contagious disease that affects members of the Felidae, Procyonidae, and Mustelidae families. Susceptible animals include, but are not limited to, domestic cats, bobcats, ferrets, weasels, skunks, and raccoons. The illness is potentially fatal, with a mortality rate close to 100% in highly susceptible animals.

Depression is one symptom of feline distemper.
Depression is one symptom of feline distemper.

This virus is shed in the body secretions of infected animals, and even animals that have recovered from the disease can shed the virus for months after recovery. Insects, such as fleas and flies, may also transmit the disease. Infection is caused by inhaling or consuming infective material.

Symptoms include high fever, depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and leukopenia. Severe dehydration is also typical. The disease may cause the same symptoms in susceptible wild animals or may lead to disturbances of the central nervous system.

Dogs and cats should be vaccinated to prevent distemper.
Dogs and cats should be vaccinated to prevent distemper.

Other than supportive care, no effective treatment is available for feline distemper. Treatment to help prevent secondary bacterial infection in infected animals may help to reduce mortality rates slightly, however. Prevention is key and all susceptible domestic species should be vaccinated.

Both the canine and feline illnesses affect many animals each year. In addition to domestic dogs and cats, the disease is particularly prevalent in raccoons. Neither is communicable to humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is distemper in animals?

Dogs can contract canine distemper through contact with an infected animal.
Dogs can contract canine distemper through contact with an infected animal.

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems of animals. It is most commonly seen in dogs, but can also affect other animals such as ferrets, skunks, and raccoons. The virus is related to the measles virus in humans and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

How is distemper transmitted among animals?

Young kittens should be vaccinated for distemper.
Young kittens should be vaccinated for distemper.

Distemper is primarily spread through airborne exposure to viral particles from an infected animal's coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted via shared food and water bowls, or through direct contact with an infected animal's bodily fluids. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk of contracting the disease.

What are the symptoms of distemper in dogs?

Skunks can be affected by distemper.
Skunks can be affected by distemper.

Symptoms of distemper in dogs include watery to pus-like discharge from the eyes, fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, it can lead to seizures, paralysis, and other neurological complications. Early detection and treatment are crucial for the best chance of recovery.

Can distemper be treated, and is there a cure?

Canine distemper is particularly contagious.
Canine distemper is particularly contagious.

There is no specific cure for distemper; treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent secondary infections. This may include IV fluids, antibiotics, and medications to control seizures and neurological symptoms. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent distemper, with high efficacy rates reported by veterinary sources.

Is distemper contagious to humans or other types of pets?

Canine family members, including coyotes, can be affected by distemper.
Canine family members, including coyotes, can be affected by distemper.

Distemper is not considered contagious to humans, as it is a species-specific virus. However, it can be transmitted to other types of pets that are susceptible to the virus, such as ferrets. Cats are not affected by the canine distemper virus but have their own version of distemper, called feline panleukopenia.

How can I prevent my dog from getting distemper?

Feline distemper is highly contagious.
Feline distemper is highly contagious.

The most effective way to prevent distemper is through vaccination. Puppies should receive a series of distemper vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by booster shots as recommended by a veterinarian. Avoiding contact with infected animals and maintaining good hygiene practices are also important preventive measures.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a AllThingsNature writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a AllThingsNature writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • Raccoons are susceptible to distemper.
      By: Eric Isselée
      Raccoons are susceptible to distemper.
    • Distemper can affect wolves.
      By: fotografie4you.eu
      Distemper can affect wolves.
    • Depression is one symptom of feline distemper.
      By: basnik_bna
      Depression is one symptom of feline distemper.
    • Dogs and cats should be vaccinated to prevent distemper.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Dogs and cats should be vaccinated to prevent distemper.
    • Dogs can contract canine distemper through contact with an infected animal.
      By: Mara Zemgaliete
      Dogs can contract canine distemper through contact with an infected animal.
    • Young kittens should be vaccinated for distemper.
      Young kittens should be vaccinated for distemper.
    • Skunks can be affected by distemper.
      By: Eric Isselée
      Skunks can be affected by distemper.
    • Canine distemper is particularly contagious.
      By: Gelpi
      Canine distemper is particularly contagious.
    • Canine family members, including coyotes, can be affected by distemper.
      By: Ronnie Howard
      Canine family members, including coyotes, can be affected by distemper.
    • Feline distemper is highly contagious.
      By: nico99
      Feline distemper is highly contagious.
    • Distemper may lead to disturbances in the central nervous system.
      By: absolutimages
      Distemper may lead to disturbances in the central nervous system.