Multiple raccoons have tested positive for canine distemper in southern Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
At least one dead raccoon from Monte Vista and two raccoon carcasses from Alamosa tested positive for the deadly, contagious disease, the state agency said in a news release.
“In these cases, any other raccoon in the area exhibiting symptoms is presumed to be positive for canine distemper,” District Wildlife Manager Tyler Cerny said in the release. “We are continuing to see more cases.”
Canine distemper is a contagious disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
All dogs can catch canine distemper, but puppies younger than four months and dogs that have not been vaccinated against the virus are most at risk, according to veterinary officials.
“Canine distemper is a serious disease,” officials wrote on the medical association’s website. “About one in two dogs will die from their infection. Although dogs that survive will have lifelong immunity to canine distemper virus, they usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.”
Canine distemper virus can also infect other mammals, including ferrets, coyotes, foxes, wolves, raccoons and skunks, according to veterinary officials. Cats can get infected but are unlikely to get sick.
The spread of canine distemper is most common through direct contact with infected animals, as the virus does not survive long outside the body, state officials said in the news release.
Symptoms of the virus include:
- Discharge from and crusting around the eyes and nose
- Fever
- Coughing
- Lethargy and reduced appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Walking in circles or being unable to follow a straight path
- Lack of coordination and muscle twitches
- Convulsions with jaw-chewing movements or “chewing gum fits”
- Seizures
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Hardened nose and footpads
State officials said the symptoms of the disease are not always the same and depend on both the species and how long the animal has been infected.
To avoid canine distemper, state wildlife officials said people should:
- Make sure their pets are up-to-date on vaccinations
- Keep their dogs on a leash when walking
- Not let pets interact with any wildlife
- Not let wildlife frequent their backyard
- Avoid keeping water and food bowls outside to limit possible contamination
- Teach kids not to touch any wildlife
Arapahoe County officials also said in late February that the county was seeing an outbreak of raccoons suffering from canine distemper. It’s not clear how many cases were reported in the area.
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