Frank Zimmerman, age 11, of De Kalb, I11., for his question:

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT DISTEMPER?

Distemper is a common contagious disease of young dogs. Distemper can be prevented by vaccination with specially prepared vaccines.

Distemper can also be treated by giving the dog antiserum and other drugs. The dog should definitely be under the care of a veterinarian if it comes down with distemper.

Dogs that have recovered from one attack of distemper are immunto later attacks.

Distemper is caused by a virus discovered in 1904 by a French scientist named Louis Carre.

Distemper usually starts with loss of appetite, chili, fever, reddened eyes and dry muzzle. Later there may be infections in the lungs, intestines or nervous system.

Distemper of young horses is called strangles. It is caused by bacteria and differs from distemper in dogs. The horse suffers from a sore throat, fever and infection in the lymph glands. Strangles can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin.

Cats also contract distemper but differently from dogs.