North Carolina authorities warn of an outbreak of canine distemper in Nags Head raccoons, a risk for unvaccinated dogs. (Pixabay)
The authorities of North Carolina have alerted the population about an increase in the number of raccoons infected with canine distemper in the coastal town of Nags Head. This highly contagious virus poses a significant risk to dogs, especially those without proper vaccination, according to the Nags Head Police Department on his Facebook page. The cases have been confirmed in the county of Darein the region of Outer Bankswhere there has been an increase in calls from residents reporting sightings of sick raccoons. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission corroborated these data and warned about the danger this outbreak poses to pets and local wildlife.
He moquillo canino, which affects both dogs and raccoons and other mammals, is a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of infected animals. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMAsymptoms include discharge from the nose and eyes, weight loss, and behavioral changes that may resemble rabies, which can cause confusion among the public. In advanced cases, canine distemper produces neurological symptoms such as staggering, walking in circles and seizures, which makes infected animals appear disoriented or aggressive, according to various sources.
Miranda Turnera biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, explained to USA Today that canine distemper tends to manifest itself in cycles, affecting wildlife populations every five to seven years. According to Turner, these outbreaks occur when there are enough young animals without immunity in a specific region, allowing the virus to spread rapidly. This situation has especially affected raccoons on the east coast of the state, where the number of cases reported in the region is significantly higher than in other years, he indicated.
The distemper virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs and raccoons, confusing symptoms with rabies. (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Canine distemper is primarily transmitted through contact with an infected animal’s body fluids, including saliva, urine, and feces. Dogs that have not been vaccinated are at high risk, and authorities have stressed the importance of keeping pets away from wildlife to avoid possible infections. According to the Nags Head Police Departmentresidents and visitors should pay special attention to their pets and not allow them near wild animals. The Wildlife Resources Commission has advised pet owners to ensure their dogs are vaccinated, as this is the best prevention measure.
Although distemper does not pose a direct threat to humans, authorities warn that the behavior of infected animals can be unpredictable, posing an indirect risk to people, especially children, who might approach a raccoon or other infected animal. Turner said people often associate symptoms of staggering or disorientation in raccoons with rabies, when in reality, most of these cases in the region are due to canine distemper. Authorities recommend residents inform wildlife services if they detect animals with these symptoms to prevent further infections.
Recommendations for the population of Nags Head include preventative measures such as securing trash containers, avoiding leaving pet food outdoors, and refraining from feeding raccoons or other local wildlife. The Wildlife Resources Commission noted that access to artificial food sources can contribute to the overpopulation of animals like raccoons, facilitating the spread of diseases like distemper. In addition, authorities suggest residents install fences and protective structures in gardens and orchards to prevent these animals from entering properties.
They recommend securing garbage containers and avoiding leaving food outdoors to prevent raccoon overpopulation. (Pixabay)
Turnerwho has followed the development of this outbreak since the summer, mentioned that tracking the exact number of animals affected is difficult due to the scattered and sometimes ephemeral nature of cases in wildlife. However, the outbreak has kept local wildlife services busy, responding to numerous calls from concerned citizens. Turner He explained that these types of outbreaks usually decrease when winter arrives, since low temperatures lead many animals to take shelter, which could help reduce the transmission of the virus in the coming weeks.
Among additional recommendations for pet owners, Commission suggested that dogs always be in fenced areas or under supervision and that deterrent methods, such as noise or water, be used to scare wild animals away from residential areas. The Commission also encouraged residents to inform their neighbors about the presence of sick animals and to take precautions to avoid contact between pets and infected wildlife. Wildlife Helpline North Carolina is available so that residents can receive guidance if they observe animals suspected of being infected, according to the Wildlife Resources Commission.
