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02/26/2025
Arapahoe County Animal Services is cautioning urban residents of an outbreak of raccoons suffering from canine distemper and asking residents to take precautions to prevent the spread.
Raccoons can acquire canine distemper, a viral disease that also infects foxes, coyotes, skunks, and unvaccinated dogs. The disease does not affect humans.
“Providing food sources may lead to unnaturally large concentrations of animals and increase the spread of disease,” Animal Services Field Supervisor Alyssa Haden said.
Residents should discourage raccoons from their property by feeding their pets indoors. If feeding occurs outdoors, bring in food and water bowls promptly after their pet has eaten.
Garbage cans should be secured with lids that can’t be knocked off or removed, and compost piles should be covered in bins that raccoons can’t access.
The disease is spread when animals have direct contact with body fluids or droppings from an infected animal. Distemper is always present in the environment, so the best prevention for dogs is to make sure they are vaccinated. Contact your veterinarian to make sure your dog’s shots are current.
Symptoms may include discharge from the nose and eyes, a rough coat of hair, emaciated appearance and unusual behavior such as disorientation or wandering aimlessly. Symptoms become progressively worse and is usually fatal.
Keep children and pets away from sick raccoons. As the disease progresses, the animal may appear calm but can become aggressive if approached.
Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 303-291-7227 for additional information or any other wildlife concerns.
More: arapahoeco.gov/news_detail_T13_R846.php
