Distemper outbreak in Toronto wildlife

Recently there has been media attention to an issue that has been building over the past two years. Urban wildlife, including raccoons and skunks, are becoming sick and dying from a virus that also causes disease in companion animals such as dogs and ferrets. Distemper virus is still very present in our environment.

This has made the issue of vaccinating companion animals against distemper prominent, and I get questioned regularly on the pros and cons of vaccinations.

This is not a simple issue. There is ample evidence that overvaccinating contributes to an increase in chronic health disorders. On the other hand, having a pet permanently disabled or dead from a potentially preventable disease is definitely not desireable.

If you see a wild animal acting unusually, kepp your pets secure and stay well away, then call Toronto Animal Services for instructions.