Source: KATV
A veterinarian is warning Arkansas dog owners about the danger of canine distemper after Russellville Animal Control detected the virus in raccoons. Dr. Sarah Gilkerson of Merritt Animal Clinic says distemper, caused by a paramyxovirus related to measles, is highly contagious and often fatal in dogs. The virus spreads through nasal or oral discharge and can be transmitted indirectly—such as when a raccoon contaminates an outdoor food or water bowl that a dog later uses.
Distemper is systemic, affecting multiple organs, and in advanced stages attacks the nervous system, causing seizures that often lead to death. Infected raccoons may appear disoriented or unusually tame. There is no cure; veterinarians can only provide supportive care to manage respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Some surviving dogs may develop lasting neurological twitches. Gilkerson urges pet owners to disinfect outdoor bowls with bleach, supervise pets outside and ensure dogs are properly vaccinated to reduce risk.