LaGrange, KY - June 24, 2002 --Officials at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) have received calls concerning sick raccoons. Between June 16 and June 20 reports of six sick or dead raccoons and one coyote may indicate that an outbreak of canine distemper has begun in Oldham County.

Canine distemper isn’t a threat to humans. It occurs most often in raccoons throughout the Southeastern U.S. and is cyclic in nature, tending to show up about every five to seven years. Symptoms of the disease are distress, coughing, sneezing, discharge from eyes and/or nostrils and diarrhea. Infected animals may have convulsions, tremors and chewing fits. These animals may lose their fear of humans and appear blind and stumble, fall, walk backward or in circles. Canine distemper runs its course rapidly. Death is often attributed to a secondary infection such as pneumonia.

Gray foxes and coyotes can also contract the disease. It may appear as sporadic isolated cases or in widespread outbreaks. A healthy animal can contract canine distemper from direct contact with an infected animal or its body secretions and waste. However, most transmissions occur directly between animals.

Unvaccinated dogs and cats are susceptible to contracting the disease. Pet owners are reminded to keep their pet vaccinations up to date. Those who feed their pets outdoors should take special care to remove any leftover food. It can attract infected animals not completely debilitated by the disease.

Never attempt to capture or aid any sick wildlife. Canine distemper is almost always fatal. Biologists recommend leaving the sick animal alone and reporting it to the KDFWR at 1-800-858-1549.