Distemper Outbreak Kills Dozens of Animals

DULUTH, Minn. - A deadly and contagious virus is quickly spreading to animals throughout the Northland, and experts say your pet could be next.So far, distemper has killed a dozen raccoons and foxes in Duluth since the fall. Wildwoods has had so many cases lately, officials there are calling it a severe outbreak. The distemper virus comes in two forms: feline and canine. It attacks the nervous system and is very painful for animals to endure.Experts say animals suffering from the virus have no fear of humans, and are often seen during the day searching for food which is rare in the winter months. Distempered animals are described as looking very uncomfortable, can be seen laying in awkward positions, very scared, and shaking intensely similar to a seizure. Experts also believe animals with distemper will not attack."If you see this animal usually they're in intense pain and at this point all we want to do is try to help them have a more peaceful and humane end than staying outside and freezing or starving," said Sarah Glesner, animal care supervisor with Wildwoods. The virus is spread through contact with fresh urine, blood, or saliva and sneezing, coughing, or sharing food and water bowls with an infected animal.Wildwoods officials say distemper is a natural part of the environment, but they're not sure why the virus is spreading worse this year compared to others."It could be because animals are congregating places they normally wouldn't like around garbage cans or if people leave food out for their pets,” Glesner explained. “If people aren't good about their waste and throw litter that attracts a large number of animals." There is no cure for distemper, so when an animal gets it the only option is to put them down. The best way to keep your pet from getting it is to make sure they are up to date on all their vaccinations. Humans cannot catch the virus. If you see an animal that may be suffering from distemper, call animal control right away. If you're in Duluth and you see this during business hours, call Duluth Animal Control at 218-723-3259. After hours and on weekends, call Wildwoods at 218-491-3604. If you are in Superior and it is during business hours, call the Superior Animal Control officer at 715-395-7280. After hours, call 911. If you are outside the Duluth city limits, call State Patrol dispatch at 218-723-4886 and ask for the conservation officer on-call. If you are in Hermantown or Proctor or another city, call police or a conservation officer.