Joshua Tree National Park staff is asking visitors to avoid approaching park wildlife, especially animals that appear ill. An outbreak of canine distemper has been identified in a gray fox population in a remote region of the park.

On March 3, the National Wildlife Health Center necropsied a lung of a deceased animal and it tested positive for the disease.

Domestic dogs are generally vaccinated for canine distemper, and if so, are protected from the virus. For the safety of your pets, and park wildlife, domestic dogs must always remain on a leash and only within approved areas of the park. Dogs may not be off leash in the park under any circumstances. 

Canine distemper is a highly contagious and lethal viral disease among canines. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends the following to protect your pet, and wildlife:

Pets:

• Put away food and water before dark. This applies to residences as well as campsites. Leaving these things out is an attractant.
• Once your pets are inside for the night, lock all pet doors to avoid potential contact.

Property:

• Replace plastic trashcans with metal ones and secure the top. Secure trashcans to a fence.
• If you catch an animal during a trashcan raid, do not attempt to pick up or corner the animal. Use bright lights or loud noises to encourage the visitor to leave.
• Close the areas around decks, hot tubs, spas, sheds, porches, foundations, and stairways.
• Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other prey.

For more information about canine distemper, visit: https://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/tag/distemper/

Canine distemper is particularly lethal to isolated populations of wildlife where the virus has not occurred previously and can cross species and affect felines like mountain lions and bobcats. Canine distemper is not known to infect humans.