A full-service, small animal facility serving Bellmore and the surrounding communities.
02/07/2025
LIVMA LOGO
Update
Veterinary Alert
Distemper and Rabies on Long Island
The Importance of Vaccines
Please review and share with your staff and clients
Distemper in Raccoons
This past December, National Park Service staff discovered raccoons on the William Floyd Estate that were behaving uncharacteristically, as well as other dead raccoons that tested positive for Canine Distemper Virus. Symptoms of canine distemper in raccoons include approaching people, daytime activity, and appearing lethargic or disoriented. It is advised to avoid animals showing signs of canine distemper because, though it is not a threat to human health, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Through November and December of 2024, there have been distemper outbreaks across many other cities in the United States, namely cities in Colorado, Milwaukee, and Tulsa. With cases of canine distemper becoming apparent, it is vital for dog owners to keep up to date with their pets’ vaccinations in order to prevent the transmission of the virus.
Canine distemper is a severe and contagious virus that is threatening to all dogs, especially young puppies, and unvaccinated dogs. 1 in 2 dogs will likely die due to this infection. It can be contracted through both indirect and direct contact with an infected animal, such as sneezing, barking, and sharing food or water bowls. The virus affects the dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, weakening the immune system. There are many clinical signs of distemper, most notably lethargy, fever, discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. They may also experience neurological symptoms like seizures, walking in circles, and muscle twitches. Another prominent side effect is the thickening and hardening of a dog’s nose and foot pads, which gives the virus its nickname of “hard pad disease.”
Canine distemper is often confused with rabies, but there are many key differences between the two serious viruses. Like distemper, rabies affects the dog’s nervous system. It also affects the brain’s gray matter. Rabies is most commonly spread through the bite of a disease-carrying animal that holds the virus in its salivary glands. Rabies is zoonotic, meaning it can be passed from dog to human, unlike distemper. Distemper and rabies share similar symptoms, such as seizures and fever, but rabies is most noticeably different through the increase of aggression and excessive and frothy salivation. If any rabies or distemper symptoms arise, immediately contact a veterinarian to determine the next steps.
It is critical to know the difference between distemper and rabies due to the fact that they require different testing and treatment. Dogs are tested for distemper by observing clinical signs and laboratory testing. Though there is no cure, there is still a chance for recovery through quarantine and supportive care, but this will still leave them with permanent nervous system damage. Still, they will gain immunity from distemper. Rabies also has no cure and requires immediate quarantine and monitoring from a veterinarian. Unfortunately, testing for rabies requires a postmortem test, so it is vital to pay close attention to the symptoms the dog is showing in order to have a better understanding of which virus the dog may have been infected with.
Since there is no cure, vaccines are the best way to prevent the contraction of canine distemper. The vaccine, abbreviated as DAPP or DA2PP, is a combination vaccine that protects dogs from various viruses and is considered a “core” vaccine that dogs often first receive as young puppies and get boosters every 1-3 years. It is also encouraged to be mindful of where dog owners bring their puppies while receiving their first doses and to be cautious of having them near wildlife and sick dogs. Places like the William Floyd Estate provide great terrain and many walking trails for dog owners, but with the raccoon case, they must be aware of the possible danger to their pets.
Sources
www.nps.gov/fiis/learn/news/raccoons-at-the-william-floyd-estate-test-positive-for-canine-distemper-virus.htm #:~:text=The%20raccoons%20tested%20positive%20for,predators%20including%20foxes%20and%20coyotes.
www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-distemper
www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/distemper-and-rabies/
www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2024/11/20/milwaukee-county-sees-sharp-rise-in-raccoons-with-canine-distemper/76430613007/
www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/distemper-raccoons-colorado-animal-control-illness-pet-owners-vaccinate-longmont/
www.fox23.com/news/fox23-investigates-raccoon-distemper-outbreak-in-tulsa-raises-concerns-amongst-dog-owners/article_47b42858-a6a0-11ef-8ea9-bf91f56a2d5e.html
Rabies Cases Spike in Nassau County
In mid 2024, Nassau County saw its first reported case of rabies since 2016. This first case involved a feral cat found in Cedarhurst by the town of Hemstead who was said to be with two kittens. Since then, there has been a spike in rabies cases across Nassau County as eight rabid raccoons and feral cats have been collected since July. These cases require veterinarians, pet owners, and residents of the county to be much more cautious around animals and to protect their pets.
There are many signs of rabies including abnormal behavior, lethargy, fever, vomiting, seizures, and excessive salivation. The virus causes acute encephalitis in warm-blooded hosts and is nearly always fatal which is why it is crucial to take the proper precautions.
The most important step to prevent the contraction of rabies is to keep up to date with rabies vaccinations. Per New York state law, all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies. The animal will only be considered immune 28 days after the initial vaccination and then immediately after every booster. In the case that a vaccinated animal comes in contact with a rabid animal, it must be quarantined for 45 days and receive a vaccination within 5 days of the suspected exposure. If the animal is unvaccinated, it must be strictly quarantined for six months or be euthanized.
A crucial test for pets, especially in order to travel internationally, is the Titer Test. This test is meant to check for how present the antibody that neutralizes rabies is in an animal’s blood. This test essentially shows how effective the vaccinations a pet receives are. This is important for international travel in order to prevent the spread of rabies in other countries. Many countries will not allow foreign pets into their country without an acceptable titer test, even if the pet is up-to-date on its vaccinations. This test is performed by a vet ideally 30 days after receiving the rabies vaccine.
Along with vaccinations, it is vital for pet owners to avoid contact with wild or stray animals and to report any animals that are dead, sick, or behaving abnormally to the Nassau County Department of Health. They must protect not only their pets but themselves as rabies is zoonotic and can be transferred from animal to human. Though there have not been any reports of humans contracting rabies, over 500 people reported being bitten, scratched, or in close contact with a rabid animal in 2024.
It is important to seek immediate help from a veterinarian or medical professional if you, your pet, or any animal is suspect of contracting rabies.
While veterinarians and staff are not required to get rabies vaccines, the Center for Disease Control recommends that those who suspect they may be exposed to rabies through work or travel get a pre-exposure vaccine that can add a layer of protection.
Insurance coverage of pre-exposure vaccines varies based on health insurance carrier. Primary Care Physicians can check to see if they can provide the vaccine.
If someone has been exposed to the virus, they must immediately seek medical help where they will be assessed on the kind of treatment they will receive. This treatment is more likely to be covered by insurance.
With the rise in rabies cases in animals in Nassau County, it is crucial for everyone to be aware and cautious of the potential harm that could come from these rabid animals.
Sources
www.nbcnewyork.com/long-island/long-island-spike-rabies-animals-found-what-to-know/6102317 #:~:text=On%20Thursday%2C%20Nassau%20County%20Health,in%20the%20county%20since%202016.
https://petraveller.com.au/blog/the-rabies-titre-test-explained
https://rabavert.com/faqs/
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/hcp/veterinarians/index.htm
Rabies information for veterinarians includes risk factors, signs and symptoms, and vaccination guid
