Manhattan warns of uptick in raccoons with distemper; here's what to know

MANHATTAN, Kan. — City officials are urging residents to stay alert after a recent increase in raccoons displaying symptoms of canine distemper, a highly contagious viral disease that can be fatal to infected animals.

The City of Manhattan Animal Control issued the warning after spotting several raccoons showing signs of the illness. The department is advising residents to contact animal control immediately if they observe raccoons exhibiting abnormal behavior such as lethargy, seizures, disorientation, circling, stumbling or appearing fearless around humans.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious virus that affects raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks and unvaccinated domestic dogs and cats, according to state wildlife agencies. The disease poses no threat to humans, though it is nearly always fatal to infected wildlife.

The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected animal's body fluids, saliva, urine and feces, as well as through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The virus does not survive long outside an animal's body, requiring close interaction between animals for transmission to occur.

Infected animals commonly display discharge from the nose and eyes, a rough or matted coat, weight loss, and progressive neurological symptoms including tremors, incoordination and unusual behavior. As the disease advances, symptoms worsen rapidly, typically resulting in death within two weeks.

"Keep children and pets away from sick raccoons," Manhattan Animal Control stated in its warning. "If you observe these signs, do not approach the animal — call Animal Control so we can assist."

Residents should not attempt to capture or handle potentially infected wildlife. No treatment exists once symptoms appear, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

To reduce the spread of distemper, officials recommend securing garbage cans, feeding pets indoors, removing leftover pet food, and avoiding feeding wildlife. These actions help prevent concentrated raccoon populations that can facilitate disease transmission.

Pet owners should ensure their vaccinations are current. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency notes that vaccinated dogs are able to fight off the virus if exposed. Dogs not vaccinated within the past year and exposed to sick raccoons should receive a booster vaccine within a few days of exposure.

Distemper outbreaks in raccoon populations typically occur in cycles of five to seven years, particularly when populations are large or concentrated, wildlife biologists note. Not all raccoons contract the disease, and some survive outbreaks, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

To report sick or injured animals, contact Manhattan Animal Control dispatch at (785) 537-2112 Ext. 0.