Rising Distemper Threat: What Pet Owners Need to Know
London, Ontario, is currently experiencing a concerning rise in canine distemper virus, not among dogs themselves, but within its wildlife population – raccoons, skunks, and coyotes. While pets are generally protected through vaccination, the increased prevalence in wild animals raises the risk of transmission. This isn’t just a local issue; similar trends are being observed across North America, prompting veterinarians and wildlife experts to urge preventative measures.
The Wildlife Reservoir and Spillover Risk
According to Dr. Kim Millar, the City of London’s veterinarian, calls regarding suspected distemper in wildlife have increased by 10% in the last year, reaching approximately 1,300. This surge is often linked to mild winters and readily available food sources, allowing wildlife populations to flourish and the virus to spread more rapidly. Raccoons are particularly susceptible, accounting for 860 of those calls. The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, proving often fatal to infected animals.
Brian Salt, director of Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, reports receiving around half a dozen daily calls concerning distemper-affected raccoons and skunks. He notes a growing awareness among the public may also contribute to the increased reporting, but the underlying trend is undeniably upward. Salthaven has, unfortunately, had to suspend intake of raccoons due to the overwhelming number of cases.
Recognizing the Symptoms: What to Look For
Distemper spreads through aerosol droplets, bodily fluids, and direct contact. Early symptoms can be subtle – lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. However, the disease quickly progresses. More severe signs include difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and distinctive red, crusty discharge around the eyes. Neurological symptoms are particularly alarming, manifesting as incoordination, circling, seizures, and thickened skin on the nose and footpads.
Pro Tip: A key indicator is a change in an animal’s behavior around humans. Normally wary raccoons exhibiting a lack of fear, or appearing disoriented and unresponsive, should be treated with extreme caution and reported to authorities.
Raccoons can also carry feline distemper, adding another layer of complexity. The virus can survive for months in cool, damp environments, meaning even indirect contact – like a dog sniffing an area where an infected raccoon has been – can pose a risk.
Protecting Your Pets: Vaccination is Key
The good news is that distemper vaccines are highly effective in protecting domestic animals. Dr. Millar emphasizes that she has seen very few cases of distemper in vaccinated pets. Regular booster shots are crucial to maintain immunity. It’s also important to remember that while humans cannot contract canine distemper, they can be exposed to other diseases carried by wildlife.
Did you know? Canine distemper is not limited to dogs. It can also affect ferrets, wolves, foxes, and even large cats like lions and tigers.
The Future of Distemper: Climate Change and Urbanization
Experts predict that the threat of distemper – and other zoonotic diseases (diseases that can spread from animals to humans) – will likely increase in the coming years due to several converging factors. Climate change is altering wildlife habitats and migration patterns, bringing animals into closer contact with human populations. Urbanization continues to encroach on natural environments, further increasing these interactions.
A recent study published in Nature Climate Change highlighted a direct correlation between rising global temperatures and the spread of infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures allow viruses to survive longer and expand their geographic range. Furthermore, increased human-wildlife conflict, driven by habitat loss, creates more opportunities for spillover events.
The rise of “urban wildlife” – animals adapting to live in close proximity to humans – is also a significant factor. These animals often have compromised immune systems due to stress and poor nutrition, making them more susceptible to diseases like distemper.
What Can Be Done? A Multi-pronged Approach
Addressing the distemper threat requires a collaborative effort. This includes:
- Increased Vaccination Rates: Ensuring pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations is the most effective preventative measure.
- Wildlife Management: Implementing responsible wildlife management strategies to control population sizes and minimize human-wildlife conflict.
- Public Education: Raising public awareness about the risks of distemper and the importance of reporting sick animals.
- Habitat Conservation: Protecting and restoring natural habitats to reduce stress on wildlife populations and limit their need to venture into urban areas.
- Research and Surveillance: Investing in research to better understand the dynamics of distemper transmission and develop more effective control measures.
FAQ: Canine Distemper
Q: Can I get distemper from a raccoon?
A: No, humans cannot contract canine distemper.
Q: Is distemper curable?
A: No, there is no cure for distemper. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care.
Q: What should I do if I find a sick raccoon?
A: Contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center. Do not attempt to handle the animal yourself.
Q: How often should my pet be vaccinated against distemper?
A: Your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet, based on their age, health, and lifestyle.
Q: Can distemper spread through the air?
A: Yes, distemper can spread through aerosol droplets released when an infected animal coughs or sneezes.
Protecting our pets and local wildlife requires vigilance and proactive measures. By staying informed, vaccinating our animals, and respecting wildlife, we can help mitigate the threat of canine distemper and ensure a healthier future for all.
Learn More:
- American Veterinary Medical Association – Canine Distemper
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Wildlife and Rabies
What are your thoughts on the rising distemper threat? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below!
