AZGFD urges vigilance during canine distemper outbreak

Arizona Game and Fish Department sent this bulletin at 08/12/2025 04:54 PM MST

Aug. 12, 2025

AZGFD urges vigilance during canine distemper outbreak

Virus detected in coyotes, foxes in Maricopa County; pets should be fully vaccinated

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has been receiving an increasing number of reports in recent weeks of sick or disoriented coyotes within residential neighborhoods, parks and green spaces.

Laboratory testing has confirmed the diagnosis of canine distemper, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of both domestic and wild animals, primarily canids.

While distemper cannot infect humans, it poses a serious risk to unvaccinated dogs and certain wildlife species. Pet owners should ensure their animals are fully vaccinated, keep dogs on a leash, and avoid contact with wildlife.

Infected coyotes and foxes may display unusual behavior such as a lack of fear toward humans, stumbling, seizures, or discharge from the eyes and nose. The virus spreads through direct contact, airborne droplets, and shared food or water sources. It’s important to note that canine distemper cannot be distinguished from rabies based on clinical symptoms. To that point, it’s important to avoid approaching or touching wildlife, and report any sick or dead animals to AZGFD.

The department recommends:

Keeping pets up to date on vaccinations.
Avoiding feeding or handling wildlife.
Supervising pets outdoors, especially near areas with wildlife.

AZGFD will continue to monitor the outbreak and work closely with animal health partners to minimize risks and transmission. Contact your pet’s veterinarian for more information on canine distemper.

For health questions specific to wildlife, contact Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, state wildlife veterinarian, at ajusticeallen@azgfd.gov; or Dr. Ann Fan, assistant state wildlife veterinarian, at afan@azgfd.gov. To report sick or dead wildlife, call the department’s 24-hour hotline at 623-236-7201.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department receives no general fund tax dollars. The majority of funding to manage more than 800 native wildlife species comes from Arizona's hunters and anglers.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department receives Federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and thus prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age and sex pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To request an accommodation or informational material in an alternative format or to file a discrimination complaint please contact the Director’s Office at (602) 942-3000 or by mail at 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Discrimination complaints can also be filed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Diversity and Inclusive Workforce, Attention: Public Civil Rights and Disability Coordinator, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.

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