ALERT: Canine Distemper in Local Wildlife

Credits: Bob Foster, Animal Control, Index, WA

The Canine Distemper in Raccoons has apparently spread to our area here in Snohomish County.

On Friday September 10th, Gold Bar Animal Control was called for an apparently sick Raccoon wandering around the Anderson Lane area. After catching the sick Raccoon and contacting other agencies, it was determined that this was indeed a suspected case of Canine Distemper.

Numerous outbreaks of Canine Distemper have been found and confirmed throughout King County beginning earlier this year, in the wild Raccoon population.

It is a viral disease that is most commonly known to effect domestic dogs, though not domestic cats, feline distemper is a different virus.

State Wildlife Officials encourage residents to avoid feeding wildlife, keep domestic pets (dogs) away from wild animals and ensure pets have updated vaccinations, in response to this outbreak of canine distemper in wildlife.

Puppies from three to six months old and older dogs are particularly susceptible.

If you encounter an animal (Raccoon), that appears to be sick remember that they are still very capable of defending themselves, can be dangerous and unpredictable. Simply Call 911.

Bob Foster
Town of Index Animal Control
793-2488