A serious wildlife disease is on the rise in central Ohio: how to protect your pets

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) – Central Ohio residents have been reporting more cases of distemper in wildlife, with officials recommending pet owners vaccinate their pets against the highly contagious and dangerous disease.

Canine Distemper Virus is a serious viral disease that can infect mammals, although it is not transmissible to humans, according to the Ohio Wildlife Center. It often affects raccoons, foxes and skunks in Ohio but can spread to dogs and cats if they come into contact with an infected animal.