Canine distemper, one of the most serious viral diseases affecting
dogs, appears to have caused the deaths in recent months of a large
number of skunks, foxes and raccoons in Northern California, report
veterinary scientists at the University of California, Davis.

Since mid-February, 83 skunks, 13 foxes and 12 raccoons were reported
to have died of unexplained causes in Shasta County.

"Early molecular tests were negative for canine distemper and rabies,
which are both contagious viruses that can infect many species of
domestic and wild carnivorous animals," said Mourad Gabriel, a
comparative pathology graduate student in the laboratory of
veterinary professor Janet Foley. "Postmortem exams, however,
revealed typical changes associated with canine distemper infection."

Canine distemper is a potentially fatal disease primarily causing
inflammation in the nervous and respiratory systems. While the virus
does not pose a threat to human health, dog owners are urged to
protect the health of their animals by having them vaccinated against
distemper and keeping them away from wild animals, which might be
carrying the disease. Unfortunately, the outbreak is continuing with
ongoing reports of deaths, including animals from more distant
locations.

Gabriel, Foley and veterinary pathology professor Linda Munson, have
been investigating the unexplained wildlife deaths in collaboration
with the California Department of Fish and Game. Munson performed the
postmortem exams that identified canine distemper as the cause.

"The animals we examined had tissue damage that is characteristic of
canine distemper viral infection," Munson said. "We confirmed the
presence of the distemper virus in the tissues and now plan to
isolate it in laboratory cultures."

She added that more of the animals that died during the recent
outbreak will also be examined.

"The Fish and Game office in Redding has been diligent in collecting
fresh samples for us in order to more thoroughly investigate this
die-off," said Gabriel, noting that anyone who finds dead or dying
wildlife should refrain from touching the carcasses and, instead,
report the finding to the local animal control agency or California
Department of Fish and Game."