Community Chat

[DorothyToo]

There is a big cat rescue organization in my area that takes in abandoned & abused big cats who are either unwanted pets or circus animals: In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue & Education Center (www.insyncexotics.com). I have visited it & it's a good place. They take good care of them & really care. Lately, there has been an outbreak of canine distemper in raccoons in our area. I know raccoons can carry both feline & canine distemper &, evidently, it was thought the outbreak was of the canine variety. I had not been following it too closely, I will admit, but knew it was happening.

The cats have been vaccinated against feline distemper but their vets recommended against vaccinating against the canine variety. However, so far, "the virus has been confirmed in 5 tigers & another 17 lions and tigers are showing symptoms. There's no direct treatment for distemper, so the big cats are being given antibiotics to ward off infection and vitamins to boost their immune systems." (Who knew the big cats could get canine distemper? Evidently, not their vets. Sure hope it's not a new distemper variety!)

Here is the link to the article from our local ABC channel: http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/collin/Distemper-outbreak-hits-big-cats-at-211630671.html.

Please say lots of prayers for all these lovely big cats & all the other animals affected, too. Ms Scoots (my little cat) & I thank you -