Canine Distemper Virus outbreak found in Dare County racoons

The Outer Banks SPCA/Dare County Animal Shelter has encountered numerous cases of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) among racoons in Dare County in the past month. We have sent over a dozen raccoons to the lab at the NC Wildlife Resource Commission which all tested positive for CDV.

In North Carolina, CDV infects raccoons, red foxes, gray foxes, coyotes, weasels, otters, skunks, and mink. Symptoms in wildlife often include discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, coughing, vomiting and thickening of the nose and footpads. Canine distemper can also have a neurologic phase that produces signs similar to rabies, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the two diseases without testing.

CDV can be transmitted to pets from wildlife if contact occurs, we’d recommend people keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to approach any wildlife species, especially if it is acting unusual. Keeping pets up to date with their vaccines is the best way to prevent disease.

If people encounter an animal that is acting sick/unusually they should contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission help-line: 866-318-2401 or HWI@ncwildlife.org, which will connect them with a biologist that can give them the proper recommendations for the situation and can let the district biologist know that their help is needed to euthanize an animal if necessary.

Most importantly check with your veterinarian to make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date.

For more information contact the Outer Banks SPCA at 252-475-5620.