Canine distemper virus causes devastating neurological disease that is entirely preventable through vaccination, remaining a welfare threat in unvaccinated populations.
Distemper causes progressive, often fatal neurological disease after initial recovery from respiratory signs. Affected dogs suffer seizures, muscle spasms, and progressive paralysis. The neurological form often requires euthanasia. Vaccination completely prevents this suffering and is one of the most important welfare interventions available to dog owners.