OUTBREAK ALERT:
The Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control Program has identified an outbreak of distemper in wild raccoon populations across Los Angeles County. Although none of the cases have been identified in Long Beach, clusters of cases have been identified in several areas across the county including San Gabriel mountain foothill communities, Rancho Palos Verdes communities and Seal Beach. The disease has also spread to other species, including dogs, coyotes, foxes and skunks. Due to the close proximity of the cases, Long Beach residents are advised to be vigilant for signs and symptoms of distemper in their pet dogs.
Long Beach residents are advised to report any suspected symptoms of distemper in family pets to their personal veterinarian. Animal control agencies across the county, including Long Beach Animal Care Services, will work with veterinarians and wildlife agencies to report any suspected cases of distemper in both wildlife and domestic dogs to the Los Angeles County Veterinary Program, which is leading the investigation.
Distemper symptoms in dogs and raccoons may include one or more of the following:
• Fatigue
• Nasal and eye discharge
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Low appetite
• Fever
• Twitches and seizures
• Death
What should you do?
• Keep your dog away from raccoons
• Make sure your dog’s distemper (DHPP) vaccination booster is up to date
• If your dog is sick, keep it away from other dogs and contact your veterinarian
• NEVER FEED WILDLIFE. Keep pet food and water bowls indoors, especially at night
• If you encounter a sick raccoon or any other type of sick wildlife, do not attempt to capture the animal, but call Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562- 570-PETS (7387). For those living outside of Long Beach please contact your local animal control agency. For a list, click here.
If you have any questions about the distemper outbreak, please contact the Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control Program at 877-747-2243 or 562-401-7088, or log onto their website. Local veterinarians may submit completed case reports to the program directly by faxing them to 562-401-7112.
Other questions may be directed to the City’s Animal Care Services Bureau by calling 562- 570-PETS (7387) or visit LongBeach.gov. The Long Beach Animal Care Services Village is open to the public Wednesday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (the Village is closed to the public on Monday, Tuesday and all holidays). A full listing of frequently asked questions and answers regarding our programs are posted online, including information on how to deal with local wildlife and to receive tips on responsible pet ownership.
Report sent by John Keisler, a City of Long Beach official.
For more information about preventing distemper in your pet read our article HOW TO Keep Your Dog Safe from Distemper.
PHOTOS: bestvetstore.com
Category : News
Fred Eisenlohr
May 29, 2010
Raccoon bloodied in neighbors yard yesterday afternoon here in Hermosa beach.
05/28/2010. he is alive but very disoriented. Neighbor called Hermosa Animal control and they refused to come get a sick wild animal. Perhaps they should change their title to Hermosa domestic animal control and ticketing service !!!! Disgraceful…..