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Distemper Can Look Similar To Rabies, Southwick Sees Uptick In Reports
SOUTHWICK, Mass. (WWLP) – There have been reports of sick raccoons in Southwick however, Animal Control said if you see raccoons out during the day, it doesn't necessarily mean they are sick.
Southwick Animal Control Officer Liz Bennett said there are two ways raccoons or other canine animals could be sick and that is through rabies or distemper. While rabies can be deadly for both animals and humans who get in contact with it, Southwick Animal Control has tested six raccoons, bats, and skunks who've had contact and none have tested positive.
How many people die from rabies each year?
She highly recommends getting a rabies vaccine for your pets if they aren't already. Pets can also get distemper which is not 100% protective but is very preventable by a vaccine. Distemper can look similar to rabies.
"They kind of meander around, they look a little sick, they aren't kept very well. That is a distemper. We've had I can't even tell you how many distemper cases," said Bennett.
Bennett said it is important for dog owners to always have an eye on their dogs and not let them go off into the woods because these sick animals can be deadly for your pets. Puppies are vaccinated for distemper, but older pets can get boosters as another preventative measure.
She said if you think you or your animal have come into contact with an animal that may be sick, call your doctor or a veterinarian.
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Greeley Police Release Tips To Stay Safe Amid Distemper Outbreak In Raccoons
Greeley police warn residents to not approach raccoons amid a statewide breakout of distemper, causing the animals to lose their fear of humans among other symptoms.
Raccoons with distemper — a viral disease that affects the stomach, lungs and brain — are often not violent but should not be approached, the Greeley Police Department warned in a news release. Police say distemper is typically fatal once symptoms appear, and there is not any treatment available.
"Please keep children and animals away from the raccoons if they are in your yard," the post read. "Do not approach the raccoons or otherwise try to feed them. Don't leave food out for the raccoon either as you may attract sick raccoons or other wildlife. It is wise to bring trash cans inside or make sure the lids are locked."
Other symptoms of distemper raccoons may exhibit, according to Greeley police:
The department said animal control officers are responsible for domesticated animals only, so they are unable to catch or relocate the raccoons. Police say relocating the raccoons is also only effective in stopping the spread in the immediate area, as the animals would still spread the virus to wherever they are relocated.
Distemper cannot be spread to humans, according to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website, but can live on humans' clothes and be passed to dogs who are unvaccinated. The best way to prevent the disease from spreading to dogs is to make sure they are vaccinated.
The Fort Collins Division of Colorado Parks & Wildlife were unable to be contacted Sunday, as the office was closed.
The outbreak dates back to at least October, when Highlands Ranch residents started noticing a large number of sick and diseased raccoons, according to a Fox 31 report. Michael Hill, director of the Douglas County Health Department, said then that a distemper outbreak happens about once every five years.
Greeley police recommend residents call a wildlife removal company to come and remove the raccoons from their property. If residents don't want to pay for an expert to come remove raccoons once they die, the Douglas County Health Department recommends double-bagging the animal and throwing it in the trash.
Milwaukee County Is Seeing A Spike In Raccoons With Canine Distemper Virus. What To Know
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