Canine distemper is a serious viral disease affecting dogs and wildlife. Vaccination programmes protect individual dogs and prevent outbreaks in vulnerable populations.
Canine distemper causes prolonged suffering including respiratory distress, seizures, and paralysis before death. Unvaccinated dogs face preventable suffering and death. Wildlife species including big cats, mustelids, and seals are also vulnerable. Maintaining high vaccination coverage in domestic dog populations protects both pets and wildlife.