Several cases of 'serious' canine distemper disease in raccoons reported in Utah County

(KUTV) — Wild Aware Utah is warning pet owners in Utah County to protect their pets.

Several cases of canine distemper in raccoons have been reported in the area, according to a tweet published by the organization on May 1.

"It's a serious, contagious, serious, viral disease that affects several species of animals, including dogs and large cats."

Wild Aware Utah says the disease can't be transmitted to humans. However, animals that become infected with the virus can suffer from long term health problems, such as seizures or other central nervous system disorders, according to pet.webmd.com.

The symptoms of the disease include sneezing, coughing, thick mucus coming from the eyes and nose, a fever, vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea.

Canine distemper is usually passed through direct contact with fresh urine, blood or saliva. Pet.webmd.com says sneezing, coughing and sharing food and water bowls are also possible ways for the virus to be passed on.

Because the cases in Utah County have been found in raccoons, Wild Aware Utah produced tips to help pet owners avoid the animals.

In urban areas, raccoons will prey on poultry and small pets. They also get into trash and gardens. Raccoons have been known to nest in attics, chimneys, basements and garages.

They also carry other diseases rabies, and canine and feline parvovirusand roundworm. To avoid getting a virus from a raccoon, don't approach the animal, keep your pets away from raccoons and vaccinate pets, Wildlife Aware Utah reports.

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