Dog Distemper Virus Threatens Rare Tigers
- 11 years ago
The virus that causes distemper in dogs has mutated over the years and now poses a significant threat to many rare animal species. Among those at risk is the Indonesian Tiger.
The virus that causes distemper in dogs has mutated over the years and now poses a significant threat to many rare large cat species.
Among those at risk is the Indonesian Tiger. The concerned experts and officials in the country are working toward a way to prevent an outbreak.
Infection can be quite serious and the virus was a major factor in the extinction of the Tasmanian Tiger.
In the 1990s, 30 percent of the Serengeti’s lion population was killed resulting from infections spread by local dogs.
There have already been confirmations of large feline cases in the Russian far east.
Symptoms manifest in different ways, and the disease can present as both respiratory and neurological problems.
It’s believed that the tigers are getting the virus through direct contact, including attacking and eating the dogs.
The virus is spread from dog to dog through urine, blood, and saliva.
Dogs can be vaccinated against it and the rounds can start as early as 6 weeks of age.
Once infected, many dogs can be treated if aggressive measures are taken quickly upon the emergence of symptoms.
The virus that causes distemper in dogs has mutated over the years and now poses a significant threat to many rare large cat species.
Among those at risk is the Indonesian Tiger. The concerned experts and officials in the country are working toward a way to prevent an outbreak.
Infection can be quite serious and the virus was a major factor in the extinction of the Tasmanian Tiger.
In the 1990s, 30 percent of the Serengeti’s lion population was killed resulting from infections spread by local dogs.
There have already been confirmations of large feline cases in the Russian far east.
Symptoms manifest in different ways, and the disease can present as both respiratory and neurological problems.
It’s believed that the tigers are getting the virus through direct contact, including attacking and eating the dogs.
The virus is spread from dog to dog through urine, blood, and saliva.
Dogs can be vaccinated against it and the rounds can start as early as 6 weeks of age.
Once infected, many dogs can be treated if aggressive measures are taken quickly upon the emergence of symptoms.