WATCH: Lethbridge city officials are asking people to be on the lookout for sick raccoons after nine animals tested positive for canine distemper. Kimberly Tams reports.
Lethbridge – Pet owners are being reminded to make sure their dogs and cats have all their vaccinations up to date. The warning comes after a string of reports of dead and sick raccoons in the river valley.
“They were exhibiting unusual behavior. They were out during the day – which is unusual for raccoons – they were approaching people and were not moving out of people’s way and there were a couple of dead ones,” said Jessica Deacon-Rogers, with the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.
A total of 9 raccoons tested positive for “canine distemper”. The viral disease is the leading natural cause of death in the animals.
The centre is now asking the public to keep an eye out for raccoons in public spaces.
Dr. Felicia Lloyd with the Green Acres Pet Hospital says dog owners shouldn’t be worried about the virus spreading to their pets as long as their dogs are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
“It’s key to prevention. There is no better way to prevent than if your dog is vaccinated against distemper because fighting it off is 50 percent and it’s a pretty nasty disease,” explains Lloyd.
Sick or dead raccoons found in a public space can be reported to the Nature Centre at 403-320-3064.
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