The Highlands Police Department continues to respond to calls regarding foxes and raccoons displaying symptoms consistent with Canine Distemper Virus. According to wildlife experts, distemper is currently prevalent throughout Western North Carolina. Several animals in the area have been tested; all were positive for distemper and negative for rabies.
Community members are asked to report any wild animal that appears sick or is behaving erratically. Signs of distemper infection can include loss of vision or total blindness, coughing or wheezing, vomiting, and seizures. In many cases, by the time symptoms become noticeable, infected wildlife are already in significant distress. Because there is no treatment or medication for Canine Distemper Virus, the most humane option is often euthanasia. Otherwise, left in the wild, these animals will succumb to drawn-out suffering and eventually death.
The number of infected animals may increase as spring approaches and wildlife becomes more active. A variety of animals can contract and spread the disease, including cats, dogs, foxes, coyotes, ferrets, raccoons, skunks, and others.
Community members can help reduce the spread of the distemper virus by taking the following steps:
Vaccinate your animals. Check with your veterinarian to ensure all pets are up to date on their vaccinations. This is critical, as there is no cure for Canine Distemper Virus. Once an animal contracts the disease, treatment options are limited to supportive care or euthanasia.
Remove outdoor food and water bowls. Distemper is primarily spread through contaminated saliva, so removing shared water or food sources can help prevent transmission. Wild animals are often drawn to bowls left outside for domestic pets.
Secure trash and refuse. Ensure garbage and other waste is properly stored so as not to attract wildlife.
Do not intentionally feed wildlife. This includes putting out corn or grain or discarding food scraps in wooded areas. Because distemper spreads through contaminated saliva, shared food sources increase the risk of transmission. Artificial feeding sites often bring animals together that would not normally feed in the same area.
Anyone who observes wildlife showing signs of illness is encouraged to report the animal to Macon County Dispatch by calling 911 or 828-524-2020 (non-emergency) so the situation can be assessed and handled safely by the proper authorities. Prompt reporting of sick wildlife helps protect pets, wildlife, and the community from further spread of the disease.
- Lt. Tim Broughton
Highlands Police Department