Measures were immediately taken to deal with this emergency in order to prevent further spread of the disease, which could potentially also affect sea lion populations. At least 154 dogs have died from the disease.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus.
It can attack the respiratory, intestinal, or nervous systems and is fatal for the majority of dogs that contract it. The virus is transmitted through the air or directly from the affected animal. Humans cannot catch the disease, but can be carriers. The Municipality declared a health emergency on Santa Cruz. Dead animals are collected and incinerated.