Prudence Island Raccoon Tests Positive for Distemper
DEM is cautioning dog owners about the re-emergence of a dog disease that is now considered rare in Rhode Island.
The Department of Environmental Management is cautioning dog owners about the re-emergence of a dog disease that is now considered rare in Rhode Island. Canine distemper was recently diagnosed in a raccoon on Prudence Island. The raccoon was submitted for testing after island residents notified DEM about numerous raccoon deaths and a large number of raccoons that displayed abnormal behavior. DEM and the Department of Health worked with local authorities to first rule out rabies as a possible cause. When rabies was not confirmed, DEM authorized testing for canine distemper virus, which was confirmed. Canine distemper does not affect humans. It is a virus that usually affects dogs, but can also infect raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and other …
