[ SHOWGSD-L ] rabies outbreak suspected in north coast of Oregon

From: "Peggy" <pmick12@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "showgsd-l" <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:33:59 -0500
shared by Peggy


      Distemper outbreak suspected in north coast raccoons 
        
      December 14, 2010 

     
      TILLAMOOK, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is 
investigating a probable outbreak of canine distemper affecting raccoons along 
the north coast from Seaside to Astoria. 

      Over the past two weeks authorities have received numerous complaints 
about sick and injured raccoons presenting symptoms consistent with canine 
distemper. During that time police and commercial wildlife control operators 
have disposed of about 10 raccoons that exhibited such symptoms. 

      "We definitely have an outbreak going on here," said Dan Smith, owner of 
Clatsop County Wildlife Control, a commercial wildlife control operator. "This 
is getting to be a daily thing." 

      Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that infects 
raccoons, coyotes, skunks and unvaccinated dogs. The disease does not affect 
humans. Symptoms may include discharge from the nose and eyes, a rough coat of 
hair, emaciated appearance and unusual behavior such as disorientation or 
wandering aimlessly. The symptoms become progressively worse and the disease us 
usually fatal. Animals affected by canine distemper can be unpredictable and 
therefore potentially dangerous, according to Dave Nuzum, assistant wildlife 
biologist with ODFW's Tillamook office. 

      People who see a raccoon that is acting abnormally are advised to keep a 
safe distance and call the police, a commercial wildlife control operator or 
ODFW. They should not feed the animal or try to administer any medications, 
should make sure their dogs are vaccinated for distemper and remove any food 
sources that might attract raccoons. Feeding raccoons is highly discouraged 
because it can concentrate animals and facilitate the spread of disease.

      ###
     
          
      Contact:
     Dave Nuzum  (503) 842-2741
      Rick Swart  (971) 673-6038
     

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[ SHOWGSD-L ] rabies outbreak suspected in north coast of Oregon

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