Question: Our dogs killed a raccoon that had distemper. Is raccoon distemper transmissible to dogs? What about humans?
Answer: Distemper is widespread in the raccoon population. The disease is caused by the canine distemper virus. CDV can spread from raccoons to dogs. Fortunately, the canine distemper vaccination is very effective, so your dogs are protected if their distemper vaccinations are current.
Humans do not get distemper. However, CDV is highly contagious to many carnivores, including dogs, ferrets, cats, raccoons, coyotes, and others. The virus impacts the entire body, so infected animals display a variety of clinical signs. The disease usually begins with lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, coughing, and discharge from the nose and eyes.
Infected dogs spread CDV through bodily fluids. Most virus is shed through the first two weeks after illness, though viral shedding can continue for up to three months. Fortunately, CDV is susceptible to many disinfectants.
Ask the Vet is written by veterinarian Lee Pickett, VMD. Send questions to [email protected] and read more at saturdayeveningpost.com/ask-the-vet.
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