Carrollton Animal Services (CAS) advises pet owners to be vigilant in protecting their animals from canine distemper virus due to a recent increase of distemper cases among raccoons in North Texas cities, including Carrollton. 

CAS and the North Texas Wildlife Center have recently seen an increase in reports of sick and diseased raccoons with symptoms consistent with distemper. In Carrollton, CAS noted the majority of local reports are occurring in the north and west portions of the city. 

Canine distemper is a virus with a high mortality rate that affects both the respiratory and nervous system of dogs, ferrets, and raccoons. Though it cannot be spread to humans, distemper is easily spread from raccoons to dogs through the environment and via airborne exposure, such as sneezing and coughing.

Symptoms of distemper in raccoons include being active in daylight hours and acting friendly or passive before developing a fever, convulsions, and seizures. Infected raccoons are often seen wandering around listlessly or curled up quietly in residential areas. They tend to be weak, lethargic, and appear to have lost fear of humans. 

Avoid attracting raccoons into residential areas by ensuring trash bags and bins are closed, and by removing pet food and water bowls from outside areas. When taking dogs for a walk, keep them on a tight leash and avoid wildlife. Prevent pets from using community food or water bowls that could be contaminated. 

Dogs that are unvaccinated are most at risk for catching the distemper virus. There is no cure for distemper, but it can be prevented through the distemper/parvovirus vaccine. Any veterinarian can administer distemper vaccinations.

CAS will host low-cost vaccination events at the Carrollton Animal Services & Adoption Center (2247 Sandy Lake Road) in February and March. There will be a low-cost drive through vaccination clinic on Sunday, February 18 in partnership with Operation Kindness. On Saturday, March 16, CAS will hold a $5 rabies vaccination event in partnership with Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, where distemper vaccinations will also be offered.

While it isn’t abnormal to see wildlife active during the day, if the animal appears ill or disoriented, report it to CAS by calling 972-466-3420.

Follow CAS and the City of Carrollton on Facebook to stay current on future low-cost vaccination event dates and visit cityofcarrollton.com/animalservices for more information regarding canine distemper.