Name a common zoonotic disease.

Rabies is a notable zoonotic disease because it can be transmitted from animals to humans, usually through bites or scratches from infected animals. This viral infection affects the central nervous system and can lead to severe neurological issues, and it is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Vaccination of pets against rabies is a critical measure in controlling the disease and protecting both animal and human health.

In contrast, canine distemper is primarily a disease affecting dogs and is not typically transmitted to humans. Feline leukemia is a viral infection that affects cats and does not pose a threat to humans. Heartworm is a parasitic disease that impacts dogs and, in some cases, cats, but it also does not transfer to human beings. Therefore, rabies stands out as the common zoonotic disease among the options presented.