6th big cat dies at North Texas animal sanctuary

(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 the disease.

It's the second death this month of an exotic cat at the refuge about 20 miles northeast of Dallas. A 13-year-old female Bengal tiger named Lucca died last Thursday. Williams says Lucca was so sick she had to be euthanized.

Four lions and tigers died in July at the facility. Veterinarians are working to stem the outbreak. Symptoms range from runny noses to seizures.

Experts believe the canine distemper was transmitted by wild raccoons.