A number of raccoons have examined optimistic for canine distemper in southern Colorado, in response to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
No less than one lifeless raccoon from Monte Vista and two raccoon carcasses from Alamosa examined optimistic for the lethal, contagious illness, the state company mentioned in a information launch.
“In these instances, every other raccoon within the space exhibiting signs is presumed to be optimistic for canine distemper,” District Wildlife Supervisor Tyler Cerny mentioned within the launch. “We’re persevering with to see extra instances.”
Canine distemper is a contagious illness that assaults the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous techniques of canine, in response to the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation.
All canine can catch canine distemper, however puppies youthful than 4 months and canine that haven’t been vaccinated in opposition to the virus are most in danger, in response to veterinary officers.
“Canine distemper is a critical illness,” officers wrote on the medical affiliation’s web site. “About one in two canine will die from their an infection. Though canine that survive could have lifelong immunity to canine distemper virus, they often have everlasting, irreparable nervous system injury.”
Canine distemper virus may also infect different mammals, together with ferrets, coyotes, foxes, wolves, raccoons and skunks, in response to veterinary officers. Cats can get contaminated however are unlikely to get sick.
The unfold of canine distemper is most typical by means of direct contact with contaminated animals, because the virus doesn’t survive lengthy exterior the physique, state officers mentioned within the information launch.
Signs of the virus embrace:
- Discharge from and crusting across the eyes and nostril
- Fever
- Coughing
- Lethargy and lowered urge for food
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Strolling in circles or being unable to comply with a straight path
- Lack of coordination and muscle twitches
- Convulsions with jaw-chewing actions or “chewing gum suits”
- Seizures
- Partial or full paralysis
- Hardened nostril and footpads
State officers mentioned the signs of the illness aren’t all the time the identical and depend upon each the species and the way lengthy the animal has been contaminated.
To keep away from canine distemper, state wildlife officers mentioned folks ought to:
- Make sure that their pets are up-to-date on vaccinations
- Maintain their canine on a leash when strolling
- Not let pets work together with any wildlife
- Not let wildlife frequent their yard
- Keep away from retaining water and meals bowls exterior to restrict attainable contamination
- Train youngsters to not contact any wildlife
Arapahoe County officers additionally mentioned in late February that the county was seeing an outbreak of raccoons affected by canine distemper. It’s not clear what number of instances have been reported within the space.
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