3rd big cat dies at North Texas animal sanctuary

Posted: Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Associated Press

 

A third big cat has died at a North Texas animal sanctuary where officials are trying to stop the spread of canine distemper.

A spokeswoman for In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center in Wylie says a male tiger named Abrams died Monday. Lisa Williams says a 12-year-old male tiger named Apollo and a 17-year-old lioness called Layla died earlier this month.

More than 20 exotic cats at the center have been diagnosed with canine distemper in recent weeks. Symptoms range from runny noses to seizures.

Wildlife officials are working with veterinarians on the outbreak. Experts believe the canine distemper was transmitted by wild raccoons.

Wylie is 20 miles northeast of Dallas.

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