Hello,

I apologize that no one has responded to your question sooner. Different experts come online at various times. I just came online and saw your question.

While both coyotes and horses get an illness referred to as distemper, the illnesses are not the same. coyotes become sick with canine distemper. It is a viral disease caused by viruses in the Paramyxoviridae family. It affects carnivores, including coyotes, dogs, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and weasels. Your horse is in no danger. You can read more about this form of distemper here:

http://www.tn.gov/twra/distemper.html

The illness sometimes referred to as equine distemper is more commonly called strangles. It is caused by a bacteria, Streptococcus equi. It affects animals in the Equus genus, including horses, mules, and zebras. You can read more about it here:

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/horse/v541w.htm

The symptoms of canine distemper and strangles are similar, but they are completely different diseases. If your horse is sick, it is unrelated to your coyote's distemper, and would be best to consult your veterinarian.

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Anna

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