Distemper is the second leading cause of
death in raccoons, after people. These creatures are vulnerable to infection to
feline and canine distemper. Both may lead to death or severe illness, but two
different viruses cause the affliction.
Canine
Distemper
This form is a contagious ailment of
carnivores caused by a virus that afflicts animals in the Canidae, Procyonidae
and Mustelidae families. This type of distemper is a common occurrence in large
raccoon populations. Mortality is higher in juveniles compared to adults.
Feline
Distemper
This form of distemper is also known as
feline panleukopenia or cat fever this is a highly contagious viral ailment
that affects Felidae, Procyonida and Mustelidae families.
Signs
and Symptoms to Look Out For
Canine distemper begins slowly, it appears
as an upper respiratory infection characterized by a runny nose and watery eyes
that may develop into conjunctivitis. As the disease deteriorates the health of
a raccoon, it may turn into pneumonia. The animal will look weak and thin, and
may already have diarrhoea.
In the final stage of the ailment, a
raccoon may start wandering aimlessly and appear disoriented, completely
oblivious of its surroundings, suffer paralysis or act strangely because of
brain damage. Many of the disease’s manifestations are difficult to distinguish
from rabies; the best way to determine is through a laboratory test.
Raccoon distemper is cyclical and may wipe
out entire colonies if left untreated. Transmission of the disease occurs
through airborne droplets and direct contact with droppings, saliva or other
bodily fluids.
Feline distemper normally starts with a
sudden high fever, followed by vomiting, anorexia diarrhoea and leukopenia. The
disease is short, lasts for around a week on average, however, mortality may be
at 100% in vulnerable animals. The virus that causes this disease is found in
all body excretions and secretions of affected creatures.
There is currently no treatment for feline
or canine distemper, making proper control and prevention of utmost importance
to prevent the spread of disease. To control its spread, dead animals must be
removed from property, vaccination of susceptible pets to reduce the number of
hosts and reduction in animal populations.
Humane
Animal Removal
You will need the help of experts to
humanely and completely get rid of raccoons that infest your property. Getting rid of raccoons them prevents the spread of distemper and other diseases.
