The sanctuary had been treating a large number of racoons and skunks with canine distemper, which crossed over to the big cats. 18 big cats died in this epidemic.
Their population is controlled by the racoon population; it has been shown that as the racoons decrease in number, mating terrapins increase, leading to increased turtle activity at the airport.
There is some evidence that other organisms may serve as reservoirs for the bacteria such as domestic goats, domestic dogs, racoons, and coyotes.
He respects all nature and animals, except racoons (due to one of his ancestors being a raccoon hunter).
It is most commonly associated with domestic animals such as dogs and ferrets, although it can infect wild animals as well such as racoons.
