'Zombie' Raccoons With Distemper on the Prowl, Warns Animal Control

Raccoon displaying signs of distemper.

By Lorraine Swanson| Patch Staff

A sudden uptick in canine distemper among raccoons displaying abnormal neurologic signs has Cook County Animal and Rabies Control concerned about a possible epidemic of the disease.

Sick raccoons are turning up in forest preserves and residential areas across Cook County. Dr. Donna Alexander, an administrator for the county animal and rabies control department, advises pet owners to prepare and protect their pets, especially dogs, from the distemper virus.

“This year, 56 percent of raccoons that have been necropsied have been positive for the canine distemper virus,” Alexander said in a news release. “This exceeds the 46 percent experienced in 2004, the last year of a distemper epidemic.”

WARNING GRAPHIC: Raccoon in final stages of distemper | YouTube

The surveillance program for wildlife diseases in Cook County monitors rabies infection and other zoonotic diseases in wildlife. It also detects trends in diseases that can be spread to companion animals. Alexander said that canine distemper virus occurs in the raccoon and coyote population to varying degrees.

“We believe that the numbers we have received so far this year warrant a precautionary warning,” Alexander added.

The distemper virus affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system of dogs. Symptoms can include ocular and nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

Raccoons and other animals with distemper appear "zombie-like” and may suffer from seizures or tremors. Death can occur from secondary pneumonia or non-responsive seizure activity.

Pet owners should vaccinate their dogs and all dogs should be supervised while outside, even in a fenced-in yard, to prevent contact with wild animals, Alexander said.

There have been no reports from bites or injury from raccoons. The raccoons tested are those displaying symptoms of distemper, not raccoons found dead along the roadside.

Residents who encounter raccoons or coyotes displaying abnormal neurologic signs should contact their local police or animal control department. If the animal needs evaluation, local officials will contact the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control Department.