Which disease is commonly found in pets and wildlife?

Distemper is a viral disease that affects various species, including dogs and a range of wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, and skunks. The presence of distemper in both pets and wildlife is significant because the virus can be transmitted between these groups, making it a common concern in both domestic and wild populations. Symptoms of distemper can include neurological issues, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal effects, leading to the disease being particularly dangerous.

While parvovirus is a serious concern mainly in dogs and primarily affects domesticated pets, it does not typically spread to wildlife in the same way. Rabies, on the other hand, is a viral disease more commonly recognized in wildlife, especially in mammals, but it typically has less prevalence in pets as a direct infection compared to distemper. Feline leukemia is specific to cats and therefore does not affect wildlife or a broader range of pets in the same manner. Hence, distemper stands out due to its wide impact on both pets and wildlife.