WYLIE, Texas (AP) — A sixth big cat has died in a canine distemper outbreak at a Dallas-area wildlife sanctuary.

Officials with In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center in Wylie say a nearly 10-year-old male Bengal tiger named Kazuri died Sunday. Sanctuary spokeswoman Lisa Williams said Monday that 16 other exotic cats have contracted the disease.

It's the second death this month of an exotic cat at the refuge about 20 miles northeast of Dallas. Officials on Thursday announced the death of a 13-year-old female Bengal tiger named Lucca.

Four lions and tigers died in July at the wildlife facility as veterinarians work to stem the outbreak. Symptoms range from runny noses to seizures.

Experts have said they believe the canine distemper was transmitted by wild raccoons.

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Online:

http://www.insyncexotics.com/


Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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