Skip to main content

Seeing a sick wild animal in your backyard can be a stressful and frightening ordeal. Certain diseases, like canine distemper virus, can cause wildlife to act unusually and have cyclical outbreaks or density-dependent outbreaks. There has been a recent increase in reports concerning raccoons with symptoms of canine distemper virus in the northeast region of Oklahoma. The following information will help to educate those who could have this experience.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects foxes, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, and unvaccinated domestic dogs and cats. The disease poses no known threat to humans. CDV is always present in the environment but is more noticeable when population densities are naturally higher or artificially inflated by food/water sources and/or weather events.

Signs of CDV

Transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids or droppings from an infected animal. Signs that an animal may be infected can include discharge from the eyes and nose, lethargy, disorientation/stumbling, and an emaciated appearance. Making sure your pets are up to date on their vaccinations is the best way to reduce the risk of this disease.

There is no treatment for animals that are infected with this virus. CDV progresses rapidly and is most often fatal due to secondary infections, likely pneumonia.

Things you can do:

  • Keep a safe distance from a potentially infected animal, especially for children and pets.
  • Feed pets indoors or remove any leftovers if feeding outside is the only option.
  • Make sure attractants, such as garbage cans and compost bins, are securely covered.
  • Sick raccoons may come through your yard and move on. If a raccoon dies in your yard, bury it deep enough to discourage any digging from pets or other wild animals OR double bag and dispose of the carcass in the trash. Always wear rubber gloves when disposing of wild animals.
  • Do not attempt to capture or help a potentially sick animal. Once symptoms appear there is no available treatment.
  • Do not feed raccoons. Providing food for wild animals can lead to higher concentrations in a localized area, which could increase the spread of the disease.
  • Report the sick/injured animal to your local animal control.