Companion Animals

Companion Dog Canine Distemper Prevention

Prevention and management of canine distemper, a devastating viral disease of dogs.

Key Facts

Canine distemper causes neurological, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disease
Vaccination is highly effective and affordable protection against distemper
Wildlife including foxes, badgers, and mink can carry distemper virus
Distemper remains a welfare and conservation threat to endangered species globally
Outbreaks in unvaccinated dogs cause severe suffering with high mortality

Welfare Considerations

Canine distemper causes severe multi-system suffering and neurological damage, and vaccination is a fundamental welfare protection for dogs at risk.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate all dogs against distemper according to veterinary guidance
Support vaccination programmes in developing countries where distemper is endemic
Contribute to wildlife conservation vaccine programmes for endangered species