Community Corner

Officials Urge Caution in Dealing with Infected Raccoons

The symptoms of distemper can mimic rabies.

that was showing symptoms similar to those caused by rabies.

"People call us about cases like this, especially when the usually nocturnal raccoons are out during the day. They look sick or lethargic or they become aggressive and attack other animals," said Assistant Police Chief Chris Digiuseppi.

But Diguseppi confirmed to Patch that the animal in question on Feb. 17 was suffering from distemper, not rabies. The raccoon was humanely destroyed.

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"A few years ago we had an epidemic of distemper cases, maybe 20 or 30, and mostly raccoons. It's highly contagious," Digiuseppi said.

Joel Porath, wildlife regional supervisor with the Missouri Department of Conservation, told Patch that the canine distemper virus infects raccoons and sometimes other furbearers, especially when the populations get high. It damages the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems of the animal, causing nasal discharge, diarhhea, convulsions and tremors.

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Distemper is not transmissible to humans, but pets should be vaccinated.

Pets can become infected when they come in contact with an infected animal or with its secretions or excretions (nasal discharge, urine or feces). "If you know that has happened, take your pet for a booster shot," Porath recommended.

Should you notice these symptoms in a live animal, contact the police. If you find a dead raccoon, follow these precautions:

  • wear rubber gloves if handling the animal, or pick it up with a shovel.
  • double-bag the body in trash bags
  • dispose of the animal, double-bagged, in the trash
  • do NOT simply toss the body into the woods or a field. Left there, it can expose other animals, including pets, to the disease.

Porath also mentioned that it is never a good idea to feed raccoons. "They don't need it," he said. "The only value in it is recreational. It also teaches them not to be afraid of us."

"The only thing worse than a sick raccoon is a sick raccoon with no fear of humans."


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