Raccoons Infected with Distemper found South of Saskatoon
Posted April 26, 1999
Tweet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 23, 1999
99-04-08-VM
Raccoons Infected With Distemper
Found South of Saskatoon
Hikers along the Meewasin Trail, south of the city, have
reported several raccoons exhibiting unusual behaviour.
These raccoons are less reclusive in daylight hours and
tend to have ruffled or dirty fur and crusting around the
eyes. The Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre,
Department of Veterinary Pathology, U of S, has
conducted diagnostic testing concluding that the
examined animals are infected with Canine Distemper
virus.
Canine Distemper is a disease that can infect all canids
(dogs, foxes, coyotes), and mustelids (skunks, weasels,
badgers), as well as raccoons. Animals infected with
Canine Distemper sometimes have unusual or strange
behavior, which can not be differentiated from that of
animals infected with Rabies.
Individuals who find sick raccoons should not attempt to
handle the animals because of the possibility that the
animal might have Rabies. Domestic dogs that are taken
into areas where they might encounter raccoons or
other wild animals should be immunized for both Canine
Distemper and Rabies.
For more information, please call:
Gary Wobeser
Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5099
