• Home
  • TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS
    • EXERCISES
    • PETS
  • CBD
  • PRODUCTS
  • TRENDING
  • PET NEWS
  • PET TRAVEL
  • Advertise Here
No Result
View All Result
Plugin Install : Cart Icon need WooCommerce plugin to be installed.
  • Home
  • TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS
    • EXERCISES
    • PETS
  • CBD
  • PRODUCTS
  • TRENDING
  • PET NEWS
  • PET TRAVEL
  • Advertise Here
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home PETS

Kansas biologist warns of potentially deadly viral disease impacting raccoons, dogs

Doggone Well Staff by Doggone Well Staff
March 26, 2024
in PETS
38 1
0
Kansas biologist warns of potentially deadly viral disease impacting raccoons, dogs
32
SHARES
356
VIEWS
Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
Dog Food topper - Getquelle365


EMPORIA (KSNT) – Kansas wildlife officials are monitoring the possible spread of a viral disease near the City of Emporia which could be dangerous for local dogs.

The Emporia Police Department (EPD) took to social media on Friday, March 22 to warn residents of a rise in raccoons displaying symptoms associated with distemper. The virus poses a threat to both animals and pets in the local area.

“To safeguard against the spread of this disease, we urge you to ensure your pets are vaccinated as a precautionary measure. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly valued.”

EPD social media statement excerpt

Bird flu virus found in milk of Kansas cattle

27 News reached out to an expert with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), Wildlife Disease Program Coordinator Shane Hesting, to learn more about what the community can expect and if this is a statewide problem. He said the KDWP is waiting for test results to come back to determine what the cause of recent racoon deaths around Emporia.

Hesting says his best guess is distemper for the reports of illnesses with Emporia’s local raccoons. Otherwise known as Canine Distemper (CD), this causes unvaccinated pets like dogs to fall ill.

“We tend to see canine distemper virus (CDV) raccoon cases every year, with some years being worse than others,” Hesting said. “Raccoons are highly social creatures and easily spread the virus to each other while interacting with each other.”

Dog Food topper - Getquelle365

Where to watch the solar eclipse in Kansas

CD primarily targets animals like raccoons, coyotes, foxes and skunks in the wild. The KDWP monitors the progress of CD every year by testing animal bodies at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) based out of Georgia. Hesting says once the KDWP gets confirmation on what killed the animal, they cease testing efforts.

“CDV poses a danger to unvaccinated mammals, especially dogs,” Hesting said. “Citizens should consult with their veterinarian to discuss vaccinating their pets and other pet health needs.”

While CDV is potentially fatal for dogs, it is harmless to people. Vaccinations are key in helping keep your pet dog safe from contracting CD. Hesting says you can also keep your pets safe by avoiding wildlife that appear sick. CD may get on your clothes and be carried back to your pet dog, exposing it to the virus.

A KDWP report written by Hesting in 2023 shows the virus attacks an infected animal’s gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous systems. CD is sometimes mistaken for rabies by Kansans reporting animals who appear sick as some of the symptoms can appear the same. It is often spread through respiratory droplets, feces, urine and other methods. Symptoms to look out for include:

  • Lethargy
  • Discharge from the eyes and nose
  • Diarrhea
  • Involuntary shaking
  • Convulsions
  • Foot pad lesions

Kansas wildlife officials to meet in Topeka, vote on hunting season changes

The report goes on to mention that CD was behind large numbers of reported raccoon deaths in Johnson County in 2023. Raccoons are one of the more susceptible species due to their social nature and overabundance in some areas.

For more Kansas Outdoors, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf





Source link

Dog Food topper - Getquelle365
Tags: biologistDeadlydiseasedogsimpactingKansaspotentiallyraccoonsViralWarns
Tweet8Share13Share3Share
Previous Post

Wellness-centered dog-care brand opens in Boulder – BizWest

Next Post

More than 100 dogs in need of homes at Lake County shelter

Doggone Well Staff

Doggone Well Staff

Next Post
More than 100 dogs in need of homes at Lake County shelter

More than 100 dogs in need of homes at Lake County shelter

Youtube Channel

Currently Playing

Follow Our Page

Popular Post

    Follow Us

    Category

    • CBD
    • EXERCISES
    • Home
    • NEW POSTS
    • PET NEWS
    • PET TRAVEL
    • PETS
    • PRODUCTS
    • TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS
    • TRENDING

    Tag Cloud

    Adoption Animal Animals Attack breeds Care Cat Cats County Day Death dog Dog as Pet Dog Owner dogs Family Fire food health Home house Humane Life Local Love Man Meet news Owners Park people Pets Police Puppy Rescue Safe Shelter Society Stray Tips Top Vet Ways Week Woman

    Recent News

    ‘Dogs deserve better’: Councillors back campaign to curb roaming dogs

    ‘Dogs deserve better’: Councillors back campaign to curb roaming dogs

    July 4, 2025
    San Luis Potosí opens an investigation into a suspected mass poisoning of dogs

    San Luis Potosí opens an investigation into a suspected mass poisoning of dogs

    July 4, 2025
    • DMCA
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Contact Us
    • Cookie Privacy Policy

    © 2022 Doggone Well - doggone well.

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS
      • EXERCISES
      • PETS
    • CBD
    • PRODUCTS
    • TRENDING
    • PET NEWS
    • PET TRAVEL
    • Advertise Here

    © 2022 Doggone Well - doggone well.

    Welcome Back!

    Login to your account below

    Forgotten Password?

    Retrieve your password

    Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

    Log In