Larkspur Residents Urged To Protect Pets Amid Distemper Outbreak

LARKSPUR-CORTE MADERA, CA — Marin County animals are suffering an outbreak of the distemper virus — the first such outbreak to hit the region in more than a decade.

WildCare and Marin Humane reported the first distemper outbreak virus among wild animals in 12 years, the Marin Independent reported.

Distemper is a contagious virus that afflicts dogs and wild animals such as foxes, ferrets, skunks, and raccoons. Distemper spreads through bodily fluids. There is no cure for Distemper, and it can end in death. Humans are not affected by it.

According to Wildcare, Marin County raccoons and three foxes have tested positive for the virus, the Independent reported. Each had to be euthanized.

“Right now, Mill Valley, unfortunately, seems to be the hotbed,” Melanie Piazza WildCare’s director of animal care told the newspaper. “The main concentration of patients is coming from roughly that area.”

According to wildlife officials, infected animals have also been found in Bolinas and Muir Beach.
If a dog is infected with distemper, the typical treatment includes IV fluids and medications to help control vomiting and diarrhea, and seizures. Infected animals can spread the virus for months, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dog owners are encouraged to make sure their pets’ vaccinations are up to date. They can also protect their pets by not feeding wildlife, which often leads to interaction between domesticated dogs and wildlife.

Residents who see a sick animal should call WildCare at 415-456-7283 or Marin Humane at (415) 883-4621.

Click Here for the full Marin Independent article.