Are Your Pets Vaccinated?
Pets, Raccoons & Distemper

The staff at Animal Services have noticed a significant number of calls from the public regarding sick raccoons.  Our field officers have picked up sick raccoons from several different locations in Thurston County, indicating the problem is widespread.  The illness appears to be distemper, which is devastating to both the raccoon population and to our pets.

What is raccoon distemper?

Next to humans, the second leading cause of death of raccoons is distemper. Raccoons are susceptible to infection by both canine and feline distemper. Although both can cause illness and death, they are caused by two different viruses. Canine Distemper is caused by a virus that affects animals in the families Canidae, Mustelidae and Procyonidae.  Canine distemper is common when raccoon populations are large. The virus is widespread and mortality in juveniles is higher than in adults.  Feline distemper or feline panleukopenia,  is a highly infectious viral disease affecting members of the Felidae, Mustelidae and Procyonidae.

What does a sick raccoon look like?

Canine distemper in raccoons starts slowly, initially appearing as an upper respiratory infection, with a runny nose and goopy eyes.  The raccoon may be thin, lethargic and have diarrhea. In the final stage of the disease, the raccoon may begin to wander aimlessly in a circle, disoriented and unaware of its surroundings, suffer paralysis or exhibit other bizarre behavior as a result of brain damage. Raccoon distemper is cyclical and can spread and wipe out entire colonies of raccoons. The disease is transmitted through airborne droplets, direct contact with body fluids, saliva or raccoon droppings.

Feline distemper in raccoons usually begins suddenly with a high fever, followed by depression, vomiting, anorexia and diarrhea. The course of the disease is short, rarely lasting over one week, but mortality may reach 100% in susceptible animals. Feline distemper virus is shed in all body secretions and excretions of affected animals. Fleas and other insects, especially flies, may play a role in transmission of the disease.

Treatment

No treatment exists for canine or feline distemper in raccoons (increasing the need for prevention and control). Infected raccoons are usually euthanized. Disinfection of premises with a dilution of 1:30 bleach will help to reduce spread.

Can my pets get sick?

Unvaccinated dogs and cats that are allowed to wander unattended can spread disease to and get infected by raccoons and other wildlife.  Your best protection is to make sure your pets have complete and current vaccinations.  Need vaccinations?

Humans are not at risk from distemper as the disease cannot be passed on to people and presents no danger to humans.

What if raccoons are in my yard?

It is not unusual for raccoons to wander around our neighborhoods, looking for food and shelter, day or night.  Problems arise when people begin feeding raccoons, either on purpose or unintentionally. 

• Do not feed your cats or dogs outside.  Raccoons, possums and other wildlife are drawn to the kibble and treats we put out for our pets.
   
• Never feed wildlife.  Although it makes us feel as though we are helping them out, feeding wildlife encourages over-breeding and causes them to interact with humans and our pets.  Disease and injuries can occur when wildlife and domestic pets/humans come into contact with one another.

You may borrow a humane trap from Animal Services by calling (360) 352-2510.  A $30 refundable deposit is required to borrow a trap, and you need to let us know you will be trapping a sick raccoon.

Parts excerpted from www.geocities.com/rainforest/vines/4892/
raccoondistemper.html