Raccoons with distemper reported in city

Several agencies are warning pet owners about canine distemper reported in some raccoons in the Winnipeg and Headingley areas.

Canine distemper can easily spread from raccoons to dogs, said the Office of the Chief Veterinarian in a press release.

Reports of the disease have come from areas with high raccoon populations including near the Red and Assiniboine rivers and the Corydon area of Winnipeg.

If dogs are infected with the disease they usually experience deterioration of mental abilities and motor skills.

Dog owners living in the affected areas are being asked to make sure their dogs have been vaccinated against distemper.

Owners should also avoid having their pets come into contact with any wildlife.

The raccoons believed to have canine distemper were acting disoriented or lethargic, with crusted eyes, excess mucus coming from their nose and shallow breathing.

If people see raccoons in this condition they are asked to keep away from them and to make a report to theManitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship.

People are not at risk of the diseasebut the release said people can keep the number of raccoons around their homes down by making sure their garbage is secure.