14/08/2025
Attention Clients!
AZ Game and Fish Department urges vigilance during canine distemper outbreak.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has been receiving an increasing number of reports in recent weeks of sick or disoriented coyotes within residential neighborhoods, parks and green spaces.
Laboratory testing has confirmed the diagnosis of canine distemper, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of both domestic and wild animals, primarily canids.
While distemper cannot infect humans, it poses a serious risk to unvaccinated dogs and certain wildlife species. Pet owners should ensure their animals are fully vaccinated, keep dogs on a leash, and avoid contact with wildlife.
Infected coyotes and foxes may display unusual behavior such as a lack of fear toward humans, stumbling, seizures, or discharge from the eyes and nose. The virus spreads through direct contact, airborne droplets, and shared food or water sources. It’s important to note that canine distemper cannot be distinguished from rabies based on clinical symptoms. To that point, it’s important to avoid approaching or touching wildlife, and report any sick or dead animals to AZGFD.
The department recommends:
- Keeping pets up to date on vaccinations.
- Avoiding feeding or handling wildlife.
- Supervising pets outdoors, especially near areas with wildlife.
Please reach out to us if you have additional questions about vaccinations at 480-436-4970.
If you have any suspicious cases with wildlife please reach out to Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, state wildlife veterinarian, at [email protected]; or Dr. Ann Fan, assistant state wildlife veterinarian, at [email protected].
