During late 2009 and early 2010, the Veterinary Public Health &
Rabies Control Program investigated a large
outbreak of Distemper in local raccoons. A total of 137
suspected cases were reported, with 9 cases being
confirmed by necropsy.
Clusters of cases were identified in several areas of the county (see maps
below). During this outbreak, the disease also
spread to other species, with cases reported in 41 dogs,
5 coyotes, 3 foxes (1 fox confirmed by necropsy)
and 6 skunks. As the disease had spread
around the county, it was important to alert dog owners
about the distemper risk and encourage them to keep
their dog’s distemper vaccinations up to date.
Distemper is a contagious virus that can infect dogs,
raccoons, skunks, foxes, ferrets, lions and tigers. The
virus infects the whole body and suppresses the immune
system. Animals infected with Distemper can spread the
virus through direct contact with other animals or by
contaminating the environment with infectious
discharges. Infected animals become very sick, and
develop nasal and ocular discharges, fever, vomiting,
diarrhea, neurologic symptoms, and may die.
Click here to read more about
Distemper.
RECOMMENDATIONS for Distemper
Prevention in Dogs
- Vaccination. Dog owners should make sure
their pet’s Distemper vaccination is up-to-date.
- NEVER FEED WILDLIFE. Do not encourage wildlife
to come into your yard. Do
not leave pet food or water outside. Keep trash in sealed containers.
- Education. Please educate others about
Distemper sharing this
alert
and this
poster.
- Report Cases. Veterinarians should report
any suspected cases of Distemper to our program by
completing and faxing in
this case report form. Animal control agencies
should also report any suspected cases of distemper
in both dogs and wildlife.
We may ask that selected animals be submitted for
testing to confirm diagnosis.
Distemper Alert
Distemper Alert Poster
Last updated March 25, 2016
