(NEXSTAR) – The residents of a town on North Carolina’s Outer Banks are currently being cautioned to protect their pets from possible canine distemper infections after increased reports of sick raccoons in the area.
The Nags Head Police Department issued its latest warning Monday, explaining that the disease can be transmitted via the droppings or bodily fluids of an infected animal. Exposure to airborne particles, via sneezing, coughing or barking, can also cause infection, the American Veterinary Medical Association says.
“Distemper is always present in the environment, so the best prevention for dogs is to make sure they are vaccinated,” police wrote. “Contact your vet to make sure your dog’s shots are current.”
Distemper, also sometimes known as “hard pad disease,” is a serious and sometimes deadly illness, with an estimated fatality rate of 50%, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). After infection — which can be transmitted not only by raccoons or dogs, but by foxes and wolves, among other animals — the virus begins to attack an animal’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological systems.
All dogs can become infected with distemper, but “unvaccinated dogs and puppies under 4 months old are particularly susceptible,” the American Kennel Club writes.
Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and discharge from the eyes, as well as seizures, circular walking and paralysis, among others, the AVMA says.
Pet owners are urged to contact a veterinarian if their animals are showing any of these signs.
“Although dogs that survive will have lifelong immunity to canine distemper virus, they usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage,” the AVMA writes.
As police mentioned, pet owners should have their dogs vaccinated to prevent distemper infections. Experts who spoke with Nexstar’s WAVY also stressed the importance of keeping up-to-date with boosters.
Other treatments really only address the symptoms, as there currently is no cure for distemper.
“The survival rate and length of infection depend on the strain of the virus and on the strength of the dog’s immune system,” the American Kennel Club says.
Nags Head police added that residents can help protect their pets by keeping away from other sick animals and discouraging racoon activity by securing garbage cans, covering compost piles and properly disposing of dead raccoons found on the property. Homeowners are also instructed to never purposely leave out food for raccoons.
“PLEASE DO NOT FEED RACCOONS!” the Nags Head police wrote. “Providing artificial food sources may lead to unnaturally large concentrations of animals and increase the spread of disease.”