Distemper
Raccoon with DistemperRaccoon with Distemper Symptoms
Raccoons can get canine distemper, a viral disease that infects foxes, coyotes, skunks, and unvaccinated dogs. The disease does not affect humans. The disease is more likely to occur when raccoon populations are large or concentrated. Wildlife biologists note that the disease seems to run in cycles of 5-7 years. Canine distemper virus infection is probably the most common viral disease in raccoons. Not all raccoons get the disease and many do survive these outbreaks.
Distemper is spread when animals have direct contact with body fluids or droppings from an infected animal. Distemper is always present in the environment, so the best prevention for dogs is to make sure they are vaccinated.
Symptoms of distemper may include discharge from the nose and eyes, a rough coat of hair, emaciated appearance, and unusual behavior such as disorientation or wandering aimlessly. The animals’ symptoms become progressively worse and the disease is usually fatal.
Keep children and pets away from sick raccoons. As the disease progresses, the animal may appear calm & friendly, but can become aggressive if approached too closely.
TYZZER’S DISEASE AS A COMPLICATION OF CANINE DISTEMPER IN
