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

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

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.”

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

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