Canine distemper occurs wherever there are dogs.
It is the greatest single disease threat to the world's dog population. Even if a dog does not die from the disease, its health may be permanently impaired. About with canine distemper can leave a dog's nervous system irreparably damaged, along with its sense of smell, hearing or sight. Younger dogs and puppies are the most susceptible to infection. The disease also strikes older dogs, although much less frequently.