Raccoons test positive for canine distemper in Jasper

JASPER, Ala. —

For Carol Downs and her two-year-old dog Lollie it was play time Friday afternoon at Eagle Point Park. In addition to getting plenty of outside time for Lollie, Downs ensures her dog is up to date on shots, groomings and more. One of the shots she makes sure Lollie gets each year: a distemper shot.

She says the recent news of 4 raccoons in the city limits of Jasper testing positive for canine distemper is alarming to her.

"It concerns me because I am afraid that dog owners do not get their annual distemper shot," Downs says. "Most people are real good about getting a rabies shot, but they do not understand they have to get a distemper shot too."

Animal Control Officer for Jasper Police, DJ Patton, says last month they got calls about raccoons acting very lethargic and strange. He says they got them to a local vet for rabies testing. All the tests came back negative, but after sending swabs off they learned Wednesday that 4 of 10 raccoons caught in Jasper tested positive for canine distemper.

He says the main area they have been spotted is in the northeastern part of the city, but traps are set throughout the city to catch them. Once they are caught they are taken to a vet for more testing.

"The main thing is, if you see them, do not approach them, do not feed them, do not pet them," Ofc. Patton says. "Call us. We can come out and get them off of your property. If you find one that is around your pet, get your pet inside. For one, make sure your pet is vaccinated."

Owner and veterinarian of the Animal Hospital of Walker County, Dr. David Kimbrell, says the only way to prevent a dog from getting distemper is the vaccine. He says most puppies should have the vaccination around 6-to-8 weeks old and then a series of vaccinations around 4 months old. Older dogs should have it once a year.

Kimbrell says the disease can be sent through the air and also transmitted via bodily fluids.

"Rabies has been around for a long time," Dr. Kimbrell says. "Distemper has been around for a long time, and just because you have a distemper raccoon in your yard doesn't mean your dogs are going to get it. Protect your dogs the best you can. Get them up to date on their vaccinations and try to keep the raccoons away. Try to keep the food away from them so they do not have a reason to come in the yard."

Anyone who sees a wild raccoon is asked to call Jasper Police at 205-221-2121.