HOUGHTON, MI - A recent outbreak of canine distemper among wild animals in the Houghton area has police and city officials warning residents to be aware of any raccoons or foxes acting strangely.
Meanwhile, veterinarians are advising pet owners to make sure their dogs are vaccinated against the contagious disease.
Houghton Police say they have responded to more than 20 complaints about raccoons and other animals displaying signs of distemper. Animals with distemper often run around in the open during the day, show no fear toward humans, and walk in an uncoordinated way, as if they were intoxicated.
Police have put down the animals, according to other media reports.
"Police have responded to multiple complaints daily of abnormal wildlife throughout the Houghton area. This is a dramatic increase in the number of cases," according to a memo written by Dr. Rebecca Vollrath of the Copper Country Veterinary Clinic. The memo was shared by the city this week on its Facebook page.
Last year, the Upper Peninsula Wildlife Rehabilitation-Keweenaw nonprofit recorded no cases of distemper among the animals it helped.
This year, more than half a dozen raccoons and foxes have come to the center exhibiting signs of the disease.
"There have been multiple animals that have been tested for distemper, with local officials waiting for laboratory results," Vollrath said.
Humans cannot get the canine distemper virus.
But it can be passed among dogs, and wild animals can infect dogs with the virus. There is no cure.
The virus affects an animal's respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. It can be spread through the air (coughing or sneezing), or by shared food or water bowls, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Initial symptoms include watery eyes with discharge, a fever, coughing, lack of appetite and vomiting.
"As the virus attacks the nervous system, infected dogs develop circling behavior, head tilt, muscle twitches, convulsions with jaw chewing movements and salivation ("chewing gum fits"), seizures, and partial or complete paralysis," the AVMA states.
"In wildlife, infection with canine distemper closely resembles rabies."
Dogs who are treated and survive distemper typically have permanent nervous system damage.
If you notice a wild animal showing signs of distemper, call your local police or wildlife authorities.