United States: The agency Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns about a virus dispersing among raccoons throughout the state, which results in deadly and highly contagious diseases that can be transmitted to dogs.
Canine Distemper Spreading Among Raccoons
Colorado Parks and Wildlife identified multiple infected raccoons inside the San Luis Valley as they tested positive for canine distemper during recent weeks.
The virus that spreads canine distemper passes between animals when their bodies connect directly because of infection.
Symptoms of Canine Distemper
The symptoms of canine distemper range from invisible to obvious signs and lead to motor issues as well as brain infection-related abnormal behaviors.
The disease presents itself through nose and eye area crusts, as well as coughing and vomiting with diarrhea, which causes paw pads to become thicker and more visible.
An animal infected with this malady generally cannot overcome it. Green glowing eyes represent an exceptional yet unusual sign that both raccoons and distemper develop.
Tests confirmed canine distemper in Alamosa and Monte Vista populations, while several other reports show similar cases with raccoons across Colorado, denvergazette.com reported.
Public Health Recommendations
Colorado Parks and Wildlife declared that both pet vaccinations should remain a priority alongside discouraging any contact between domestic animals and wildlife.
Public safety guidelines urged the public to prevent wildlife access in their yards and abstain from providing food or water since these items could get contaminated.
The disease has effects that span beyond dogs and raccoons. In addition to dogs and raccoons, the disease does not spread to humans, yet wild carnivores such as foxes, coyotes, or skunks in Colorado can develop this illness.