WYLIE, Texas (AP) — A North Texas animal sanctuary has reported an outbreak of canine distemper that’s killed a 12-year-old tiger named Apollo and a lioness called Layla.
Officials with In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center in Wylie say about 20 other big cats have shown symptoms. Details on the group’s website indicate the ailments range from runny noses to seizures.
Wildlife officials are working with veterinarians to deal with the outbreak. A spokeswoman for the center on Monday didn’t immediately update conditions of the sick animals.
Center authorities say the cats get annual vacations for feline distemper but the animals are also susceptible to a canine branch of the disease. Experts believe the canine distemper was transmitted by wild raccoons.
Wylie is 20 miles northeast of Dallas.
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