LOS ANGELES -- San Fernando Valley dog owners should vaccinate their pets against distemper, an infectious viral disease, because of a recent outbreak among gray foxes, Los Angeles Animal Services officials said Tuesday.
Suspected cases of the disease have been discovered in foxes in Arcadia, Pasadena, Glendale and Tujunga, although there have not been any reports of dogs catching distemper from infected animals.
Canine distemper is spread through the air, infected bodily fluids, food and water. Pet owners were advised to keep their dogs inside at night, and empty food and water dishes.
"The best prevention is a distemper vaccination," said Dr. Steven Feldman, chief veterinarian with Los Angeles Animal Control. "
Raccoons and skunks are coming into the shelters with distemper in these same areas. Vaccinate your animals. Keep them away from wildlife.
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