Santa Cruz Pet Owners Warned: Viral Disease On The Rise Locally

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Santa Cruz pet owners are encouraged to keep their animals vaccinated amid a rise in distemper cases in Santa Cruz County.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter announced that it "continues to see an increase in distemper cases in coyotes and raccoons" here, particularly in the Seabright, Rio Del Mar and New Brighton State Beach areas.

There is no known cure for distemper, a potentially fatal viral disease. Distemper is contagious and affects many animals, often dogs.

Distemper is spread through airborne particles released by sneezing or coughing, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. When it comes to pets, it's primarily found in dogs but has also been observed in cats.

"Canine distemper outbreaks in local raccoon populations can signal increased risk for pet dogs in the area," the AVMA wrote.

Pet owners looking to vaccinate their animals should visit their veterinarian or check out a low-cost vaccination clinic through VIP Pet Care.