VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- Virginia Beach Animal Control is warning dog owners that there’s an outbreak of the Canine Distemper Virus. The source? Raccoons.
Over the past three months, Virginia Beach Animal Control said there’s been a spike in the number of sick raccoons.
“This year alone we have already picked up 146 raccoons that have had to be euthanized, that have displayed signs of being sick or injured,” said Animal Control Supervisor Meghan Conti. “Last year, we picked up during the same time frame only about 45.”
Conti explained that raccoons with distemper can easily give the virus to dogs.
“When you have a raccoon that runs through the backyard, and then your dog goes chasing after it and it may come in contact with it, then there’s always the concern for rabies but also for distemper,” said Conti.
Canine Distemper is a serious, contagious disease that does not have a known cure. When diagnosed, dog show flu-like symptoms like coughing, fever, and vomiting.
Severe and often fatal neurologic signs, including seizures, can develop a month after the respiratory infection, according to Virginia Beach Animal Control.
“Ultimately there are some situations where it can become fatal, and no one wants to lose their pet to something they are capable of preventing,” said Conti.
Virginia Beach Animal Control strongly recommends that dog owners get vaccinated to prevent future health problems.
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