Also like us, animals carry germs. But illnesses common among house pets — such as distemper, canine parvovirus, and heartworms — can't spread to people.
What does distemper do to people?
The virus infects the lungs, airways, nose, and eyes. It can also infect the brain and suppress the immune system. Distemper can cause serious illness and death in these animals. It does not cause illness in cats or people.
Is distemper transmissible to humans?
Distemper, also called hardpad disease, is a contagious disease caused by a virus. This disease, which is often fatal in wild animals, is very common in Québec. It mainly affects canids, as well as raccoons and skunks, but is not transmissible to humans.
Why can't humans get distemper?
There is no direct evidence that CDV can colonize and grow in humans. Two key receptors, SLAM and nectin-4, in hunans and primates have high identity, and the CDV can infect human cells in vitro. Therefore, we must pay close attention to the potential threat of infection by the CDV in humans.
How long does distemper stay in your house?
It is also in droplets that may be on surfaces (i.e. food bowls). Distemper does not survive long in the outside environment. It will survive only a few hours at room temperature and a few weeks in cooler shady places. From time of infection to first clinical signs is 3-7 days.
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