Virus Found in Canines Affecting Some Colorado Raccoons

A virus that is mainly found in canines is affecting some Colorado raccoons. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, numerous cases have been documented in Southern Colorado.

The contagious disease of carnivores is caused by the canine distemper virus. This virus can be found in wildlife such as coyotes, foxes, skunks, other wild carnivores, and raccoons. Canine distemper can also affect domesticated dogs and puppies.

Diagnosing Canine Distemper is Difficult

Canine distemper is a tricky disease because it does not always present the same symptoms in the same species and can vary case by case. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says that two of the main symptoms that could be observed in an infected animal are crust around its eyes and nose, and the animal appears to have difficulty moving or walking strangely due to a brain infection.

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Other symptoms in animals that may have the virus include coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and thickened paw pads. However, these symptoms are not always common. Animals that have contracted the canine distemper virus usually do not survive.

READ: DEADLY DISEASE FOUND IN COLORADO MOUNTAIN LION

Raccoons in Alamosa and Monte Vista, Colorado, have been affected by a handful of cases in the past few weeks. Canine distemper cannot be tested for easily, as the sample has to be taken from the brain. The virus can also appear to be rabies, as the symptoms could be easily mistaken.

Protecting Your Pets From Canine Distemper

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says to keep your pets safe from the virus, there are a few things you need to do.

• Keep up to date with proper vaccinations
• Keep dogs leashed while on walks
• Do not let pets interact with wildlife
• Keep wildlife out of your backyard
• Keep food and water limited outside to avoid contamination
• Teach children to keep away from and not touch wildlife

For more information on the recent cases of canine distemper in Raccoons in Southern Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us.