Idaho Fish and Game Confirms Canine Distemper in Local Raccoons Amid Surge in Sick Animals
Idaho Fish and Game has issued a warning to residents in the Pocatello and Chubbuck areas following a significant increase in reports of raccoons displaying unusual behavior. Over the past three weeks, wildlife officials have been receiving nearly daily calls about raccoons that appear sick, lethargic, or unusually fearless around humans. Some of these animals have been observed wandering during daylight, sitting motionless, or appearing blind with their eyes seemingly 'glued shut.' Testing has confirmed that at least one raccoon was infected with canine distemper, a highly contagious virus affecting raccoons, skunks, and members of the dog family. Additional raccoon carcasses are currently awaiting test results. According to Dr. Nicole Walrath, a wildlife veterinarian with Idaho Fish and Game, while canine distemper is not transmissible to humans, it is almost always fatal for infected wildlife. 
