The Arlington County Animal Control warned residents, and pet parents after several raccoons in the area tested positive for Canine Distemper.
WJLA reported that according to the department, it has been getting increased reports of ill or dead raccoons in numerous neighborhoods, specifically in North Arlington, beginning in November last year. A related report, as seen on Gadget Review Videos' YouTube video below.
Following contact with domestic animals, a pair of raccoons between November last year and February this year were sent to the department for testing, and another one tested positive for rabies.
Rabies can be transferred and spread to people and animals from an infected animal's bite or scratch, and it can be fatal if not treated properly, said the department.
Neurological Signs and Symptoms Identified
According to the Arlington Animal Control, it is working with the Arlington County Department of Human Services to conduct more extensive testing of exactly six raccoons exhibiting neurological signs and symptoms early this month.
The department reported, too, that all of the raccoons tested clinically positive for Canine Distemper. While not affecting humans, this disease can be transferred to other animals through direct contact with the infected animals. It can also be transmitted through indirect contact with body fluids or feces, cautioned the department.
Essentially, the county has asked residents of North Arlington to continue being vigilant, not to mention guarantee that their pets are updated on vaccines for distemper and rabies, keep their cats inside, and their dogs on a leash. People are also advised to feed their pets inside.
What is Canine Distemper
WebMD describes Canine Distemper is a highly infectious virus resulting from paramyxovirus. It is observed in dogs anywhere in the globe, although it can also impact other animals like ferrets, raccoons, skunks, and grey foxes, among others.
Essentially, this animal disease impacts the respiratory, immune, gastrointestinal, central nervous, and skin systems.
This infection's signs and symptoms include nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, sneezing, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin sores, pneumonia, pain, and thickening of footpads and nose.
Additionally, Canine Distemper may also lead to brain inflammation and neurological symptoms, which are frequently confused with rabies.
The disease involving neurological symptoms also includes muscle twitching, excessive saliva, chewing-gum fits, head tilt, circling, seizures, paralysis -- partial or full, and involuntary eye movement.
Initially, one may not notice the symptoms, and it can be confused with other viruses and infections. A dog can contract a mild and severe case and may experience symptoms that only last about 10 days.
Causes and Treatment of the Disease
As mentioned earlier, Canine Distemper is typically caused by the paramyxovirus virus. Animals are getting infected from contact with infected saliva, blood, urine, or respiratory droplets.
From these causes, transmission typically occurs through droplets. It can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing or contaminated water bowls and food.
In addition, Canine Distemper can take place year-round, but the said infection is resistant to cold. Therefore, most of the cases in domestic pets take place in the late fall and winter.
Animal experts said this disease has no cure, but the veterinarian can recommend some symptom treatments, including pain relievers, IV nutrition, electrolytes, fever reducers, and seizure medications, among others. For severe cases, veterinarians may recommend hospitalization.
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