Distemper-infected raccoons have been discovered in the city of McMinnville.
Local Animal Control officers are warning residents to stay clear of raccoons and have their pets vaccinated against the disease.
The highly contagious, fatal disease is viral and affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and central nervous systems in dogs. Humans can contract an asymptomatic canine distemper virus, but if they have been immunized against measles, they are protected from CDV.
According to McMinnville Public Works Department assistant director Brad Hennessee, city Animal Control officer David Denton trapped 26 raccoons, sent them for testing, and TWRA was notified that all of them tested positive for distemper.
“Rabies was our concern,” said Hennessee. “A woman was bitten by a raccoon at the Civic Center. Denton trapped 26 raccoons in the month of April that were tested for rabies. All tested negative for rabies and all tested positive for distemper. TWRA is aware and says distemper is not uncommon for the season but in higher numbers than usual. High occurrence is statewide.”
Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. The disease is spread when an infected animal scratches or bites another animal or human.
In unvaccinated humans, rabies is almost always fatal after neurological symptoms have developed. If administered promptly, PEP is highly successful in preventing the disease in humans if administered promptly.
While rabies was not found, the fact every raccoon had distemper is concerning for the health of local pets.
“This is a good reason for people to get their dogs vaccinated like they are supposed to,” said Denton. “Distemper is normal in raccoons but the fact every animal tested had it is not. That number is too great. We have no idea what’s causing it. I’ve had people tell me they only let their dog out to go pee so they should be fine. That’s not true. Your dog can still get it.”
Canine distemper is usually transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions. However, contact with fecal material and the urine of infected animals or things they have contaminated can also cause infection.
Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center was closed for a month in 2015 after a litter of puppies was brought into the facility with distemper and the virus spread, requiring 11 dogs to be euthanized.
Center director Kim Pettrey says prevention is key and also urged residents to vaccinate their pets.
“That’s crazy numbers,” said Pettrey of all 26 raccoons testing positive for distemper. “Everyone needs to vaccinate their animals. Animals need their vaccinations. Distemper, parvo and rabies are all preventable.”
McMinnville obtained a nuisance animal permit from the state in order to trap the raccoons for testing.