What to Do If a Raccoon Has Distemper: Protecting Yourself and Others
If you suspect a raccoon has distemper, avoid contact and immediately report it to your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation services. Understanding the signs, risks, and proper reporting procedures is critical for the safety of yourself, your pets, and other wildlife.
Understanding Raccoon Distemper
Raccoon distemper is a devastating viral disease that primarily affects raccoons but can also impact other animals, including dogs. Knowing the signs and taking appropriate action is crucial to preventing its spread and protecting both wildlife and domestic animals. What do you do if a raccoons has distemper? This guide will provide the information you need.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Distemper
Identifying distemper early is vital for responsible action. Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
- Unusual Behavior: This is often the first and most noticeable sign. Raccoons may appear confused, disoriented, or unusually aggressive.
- Daytime Activity: Raccoons are typically nocturnal. A raccoon active during the day, especially if exhibiting other symptoms, could be infected.
- Lack of Fear: Loss of fear of humans or other animals.
- Seizures and Tremors: Neurological signs like seizures, tremors, or circling are strong indicators of distemper.
- Discharge: Eye and nasal discharge are common symptoms. The discharge can be thick and yellow or green.
- Weakness and Paralysis: Progressive weakness and paralysis can occur as the disease progresses.
- Walking in Circles: The raccoon may lose balance and appear disoriented, leading to walking in circles.
The Dangers of Distemper
Distemper is highly contagious and can be fatal, particularly in raccoons. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects. Furthermore, it poses a risk to:
- Pets: Dogs that are not vaccinated against distemper are at risk of contracting the disease.
- Other Wildlife: Distemper can spread to other susceptible wildlife populations, causing significant mortality.
- Humans: While humans cannot contract distemper, the rabies can present similarly. It is crucial to avoid contact.
Reporting and Containment
What do you do if a raccoons has distemper? The most important step is to report the sighting.
- Contact Authorities: Immediately contact your local animal control, wildlife rehabilitation center, or health department. They can assess the situation and take appropriate action.
- Provide Details: Be prepared to provide a detailed description of the raccoon’s behavior, location, and any other relevant information.
- Stay Away: Maintain a safe distance from the raccoon to prevent potential exposure. Do not attempt to capture or handle the animal.
- Warn Others: Alert your neighbors and keep children and pets away from the area.
Prevention is Key
Preventive measures are crucial for protecting your pets and reducing the risk of distemper outbreaks.
- Vaccinate Pets: Ensure your dogs are vaccinated against distemper.
- Secure Garbage: Secure garbage cans to prevent raccoons from accessing food sources.
- Eliminate Food Sources: Do not leave pet food or other potential food sources outside.
- Seal Entry Points: Seal any potential entry points into your home or property to prevent raccoons from entering.
Distemper vs. Rabies
While distemper and rabies share some overlapping symptoms, they are distinct diseases with different causes and transmission methods. It’s crucial to be aware of the distinction while responding:
| Feature | Distemper | Rabies |
|---|---|---|
| ————- | ———————————————————— | ———————————————————— |
| Cause | Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) | Rabies virus |
| Transmission | Direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects | Saliva through bites or scratches |
| Symptoms | Seizures, discharge, lack of coordination, circling. | Aggression, paralysis, difficulty swallowing, foaming at mouth. |
| Prevention | Vaccination in dogs; minimizing contact with wildlife | Vaccination in dogs; avoiding contact with wild animals |
| Risk to Humans | No risk of direct infection. | High risk if bitten; requires immediate medical attention. |
The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wildlife rehabilitation centers play a crucial role in managing distemper outbreaks. They:
- Rescue and Care: Rescue sick or injured wildlife and provide medical treatment.
- Isolate and Contain: Isolate infected animals to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Educate the Public: Educate the public about distemper and how to prevent its spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can humans get distemper from raccoons?
No, humans cannot contract distemper from raccoons. Distemper is caused by a virus that specifically affects animals, particularly dogs, raccoons, and other wildlife. While the disease is not directly transmissible to humans, it’s still important to avoid contact with infected animals to prevent other potential risks.
What should I do if my dog comes into contact with a raccoon showing signs of distemper?
If your dog comes into contact with a raccoon exhibiting distemper symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian. Even if your dog is vaccinated, a booster shot might be recommended. Monitor your dog closely for any signs of illness, such as fever, lethargy, or neurological symptoms. What do you do if a raccoons has distemper? Avoid contact for your pet and quarantine it from other animals.
How long does distemper last in raccoons?
The duration of distemper in raccoons can vary. Some raccoons may succumb to the disease within a few weeks, while others may experience a prolonged illness lasting several months. The severity of the symptoms and the overall health of the raccoon play a significant role in the disease’s progression.
Can distemper be treated in raccoons?
Treatment options for distemper in raccoons are limited. Wildlife rehabilitation centers may provide supportive care, such as fluids and antibiotics, to help manage the symptoms. However, the prognosis for raccoons with distemper is generally poor, and euthanasia may be considered in severe cases.
Is it safe to bury a raccoon that died of distemper?
It’s generally not recommended to bury a raccoon that died of distemper on your property. The virus can persist in the environment for a period of time, potentially exposing other animals to the disease. It’s best to contact your local animal control or wildlife authorities to handle the disposal of the carcass properly.
How can I tell the difference between a rabid raccoon and one with distemper?
Differentiating between rabies and distemper can be difficult, as both diseases can cause neurological symptoms. However, rabies often presents with more aggressive behavior and excessive salivation, while distemper is more likely to cause nasal and eye discharge, seizures, and incoordination. Contact animal control in either case.
Are there any specific areas where distemper is more common?
Distemper outbreaks can occur in any area where there are dense populations of raccoons and other susceptible wildlife. Urban and suburban areas are often at higher risk due to the increased interaction between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.
How can I protect my property from raccoons carrying distemper?
To protect your property, secure garbage cans, eliminate food sources, seal entry points into your home, and discourage raccoons from entering your yard. Install fencing around gardens and other vulnerable areas, and consider using motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter raccoons.
What is the best way to clean up an area where a raccoon with distemper has been?
To clean up an area where a raccoon with distemper has been, wear gloves and protective clothing. Disinfect the area with a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 32 parts water). Thoroughly clean any surfaces that the raccoon may have come into contact with, and dispose of any contaminated materials properly.
Does raccoon distemper affect cats?
While distemper primarily affects dogs, raccoons, and other wildlife, cats are generally not susceptible to raccoon distemper (canine distemper). However, cats can be affected by feline distemper (panleukopenia), which is a separate but equally serious viral disease.
How do wildlife rehabilitation centers handle raccoons with distemper?
Wildlife rehabilitation centers typically isolate raccoons with distemper to prevent the spread of the disease. They may provide supportive care, such as fluids and antibiotics, to manage symptoms. However, due to the high mortality rate and potential for suffering, euthanasia is often considered the most humane option.
What are the long-term effects of distemper on raccoons that survive?
Raccoons that survive distemper may experience long-term neurological problems, such as seizures, tremors, or impaired coordination. These effects can significantly impact their ability to survive in the wild. They also may never again act in the “wild” way as they can often lose their fear of humans.