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Distemper Affecting Northwoods Wildlife, Pets

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A Northwoods wildlife rehabber says pet owners should make sure their animal has gotten its distemper shots, before it's too late.

Mark Naniot from Wild Instincts near Rhinelander says they're seeing a 5 to 7 year uptick of animals coming down with distemper. He says they've seen about 10 raccoons and foxes brought to their facility. Can it be treated?

"....they really can't. If there's a dog or cat in your care, there's more of a possibility of treatment, but with wildlife, because it's so highly contagious to all the other animals you have in your facility....we end up up euthanizing those animals because it is so contagious to many of the other critters...."

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure. The disease affects dogs, and certain species of wildlife, such as raccoons, wolves, foxes, and skunks. He says animals will begin to show signs of seizures or appear in the daytime when they usually don't, among other signs.

It doesn't cause humans to get sick....

"....your dog or cat definitely could, so we recommend your dog or cat be up on their vaccinations, make sure your current with their distemper vaccines. That would be a good preventative right there....."

Naniot says if an animal is acting strangely to contact law enforcement or they can help out.

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