The presence of canine distemper has been detected in coyotes and foxes found in Maricopa County, according to the wildlife agency.<\/p>\n
PHOENIX \u2014 Laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of a contagious disease in sick coyotes reported in Arizona neighborhoods, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.<\/p>\n
The wildlife agency said it has seen an increasing number of reports of sick and disoriented coyotes wandering around parks and residential neighborhoods, particularly in urban areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The presence of canine distemper has been detected in coyotes and foxes found in Maricopa County. The viral disease is considered highly contagious and poses a serious risk to unvaccinated dogs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Canine distemper spreads through direct contact and airborne droplets. Humans can’t be infected.<\/p>\n
The illness can result in coyotes stumbling around and displaying a lack of fear around humans. AZGAF advised residents to avoid wildlife and to supervise their pets outside.<\/p>\n
(1\/3) Important notice for dog owners! \ud83d\udea8 We’ve received an increased number of reports in recent weeks of sick or disoriented coyotes within residential neighborhoods, parks and green spaces.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7 File photo of a coyote, not one of the coyotes referred to in this post pic.twitter.com\/wU6qlA3G80<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Arizona Game & Fish (@azgfd) August 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n >> Download the\u00a012News app<\/a> for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app!<\/p>\n The free\u00a012+ app from 12News lets users stream live events \u2014 including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”\u2014on Roku,<\/a> Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV<\/a>.<\/p>\n 12+\u00a0 showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.<\/p>\n Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.<\/p>\n Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store<\/a> or by searching for “12 News KPNX.”<\/p>\n Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12+ app to add to your account<\/a>, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.<\/p>\n