Raccoons are one of the most common Lancaster and Palmdale nuisance creatures in the urban setting. It is not uncommon for you to encounter them outside or inside your house. We advise you to remain alert on the raccoons with unusual behavior. They may have distemper or they are possible carrier of the rabies virus. While distemper does not pose a threat to humans, it can still be lethal to your pets.

Distemper: What is it?

There are two types of distemper; the canine and feline distemper. Canine Distemper is a viral illness that affects California canine species and a variety of mammals. This has an adverse effect on the animal's respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. Raccoons are commonly infected with this disease. This is fatal to the raccoons and those who managed to survive will show some signs of permanent brain damage. Distemper will be common in a large community of raccoon. Feline distemper on the contrary will affect the families of Mustelidae, Procyonida, and Felidae.

How It Spreads

The distemper will survive outside of the creature's body for an extended time. In some cases, it will take months. This will then be transmitted to other creature through their skin, feces, or saliva. This can also be contracted through the droplets that have been airborne. Direct contact with the fluid of the infected raccoon can also cause the disease to spread. Fleas and other parasites can also play a major role in the disease transmission. 

The Signs and Symptoms

You will normally notice the infected California raccoon to have mucus discharge in their nose and eyes. This can also be accompanied by chewing fits, seizure, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and coughing. Normally, only a few of these symptoms will manifest. There are also instances when the creature will appear perfectly normal and healthy.

They will also appear aggressive and the will no longer fear California humans. They can look confused and blind.

The Lancaster and Palmdale raccoons with distemper can show signs that are similar to rabies. They will have difficulty in keeping their balance while they walk. 

The infected raccoon will sleep on areas that are close to human. They will look lethargic and disoriented. However, once they were cornered, they will immediately launch an attack.

Most of the signs of distemper will be impossible to differentiate. Normally, it can only be determined through a lab testing.

Diarrhea can also be a symptom of distemper. They can be debilitated and show signs of extreme tiredness. The California raccoon will also not respond to the movement in their surrounding if they have distemper.

Distemper is often mistaken as a respiratory infection. They will have watery eyes and runny nose. This may also result to pneumonia.

In case you noticed a Lancaster and Palmdale raccoon that is hanging around your house, you should humanely get rid of them with the assistance of the professional animal removal company. Driving them away from your property will minimize the spread of diseases and will keep you and your pets safe.   

Visit our Lancaster and Palmdale wildlife control home page to learn more about us.