Canine Distemper Outbreak Threatens Virginia Wildlife
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NORFOLK, Va. — A important outbreak of canine distemper is impacting wildlife populations in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, according to local wildlife rehabilitation experts. The highly contagious disease is causing concern among wildlife professionals adn pet owners alike.
Meredith Broadhurst, President of Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge, reports a dramatic increase in calls regarding wildlife exhibiting unusual behavior. “I’m getting probably at least three calls a day on either a fox or a raccoon showing neurological issues,” Broadhurst stated. This surge in calls reflects a concerning trend.
The impact on wildlife populations is stark. Broadhurst further explains, “We usually take over 300 raccoons a year, and I don’t think we hit over 100 this year. That’s how decreased it’s been because of the distemper outbreak.” The reduced intake at the refuge underscores the severity of the outbreak.
canine distemper, a viral disease, is highly contagious and frequently enough fatal. The virus attacks the immune system, leaving animals vulnerable to secondary infections. When evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge receives reports of perhaps infected animals, they frequently enough cannot accept them due to the strict quarantine measures needed to prevent further spread. In severe cases, humane euthanasia is necessary. Broadhurst explains the grim reality: “If they’re starting already to where they’re losing limb movement, and they’re starting to do seizures, there’s really no coming back from that.”
Experts urge caution. If you encounter wildlife behaving strangely, avoid contact and promptly notify animal control or a local wildlife rehabilitator. While canine distemper is not transmissible to humans, it poses a significant threat to unvaccinated dogs. Pet owners are strongly advised to ensure their canine companions are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Broadhurst emphasizes the importance of pet vaccination, stating, “I know it’s not a public safety issue, because it’s not contagious to humans, but to me, I feel like, personally, my pets are like part of my family. I would want to know if I want to take precautions.”
The situation highlights the interconnectedness of wildlife and domestic animal health, underscoring the need for vigilance and preventative measures.
canine Distemper Outbreak Threatens Virginia Wildlife
NORFOLK, Va.— A serious outbreak of canine distemper is impacting wildlife populations in the Hampton roads region of Virginia. This highly contagious and often fatal disease is raising alarm among wildlife professionals, animal control officers, and pet owners in the area.We spoke with Dr.Emily Carter, a veterinarian and wildlife specialist at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, to learn more about the outbreak and how people can protect themselves and their pets.
Understanding canine Distemper
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, can you explain what canine distemper is and how it affects wildlife?
Dr. Carter: Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects mammals, notably canids like foxes, wolves, and coyotes, but it can also infect raccoons, skunks, ferrets, and even domestic dogs. The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, often leading to severe neurological symptoms like seizures and paralysis.
The Current Outbreak in Hampton roads
Senior Editor: How widespread is the outbreak in the Hampton Roads region?
Dr. Carter: We’ve seen a concerning increase in reported cases of canine distemper in wildlife over the past few months, especially among raccoons and foxes. This suggests the virus is circulating widely in the local animal populations.
Protecting Wildlife
Senior Editor: What can people do to help protect wildlife from this disease?
Dr. Carter: the best thing people can do is avoid contact with sick or behaving unusually wildlife. Never attempt to handle or feed wild animals. If you see an animal that appears to be sick, report it to your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center.
Protecting Pets
Senior Editor: Is canine distemper dangerous to domestic dogs?
Dr. Carter: Yes, canine distemper is a serious threat to unvaccinated dogs.The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine that protects against the disease. Dog owners should ensure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations, and puppies should receive their initial series of vaccinations as recommended by their veterinarian.
Stopping the Spread
Senior Editor: How can we stop the spread of canine distemper within the wild animal population?
dr. Carter: Unfortunately, there is no cure for canine distemper, and treating infected wild animals is typically not successful. Controlling the spread relies mainly on vaccination for domestic pets and preventing contact between unvaccinated pets and infected wildlife.
