A virus once thought of as a canine concern is rapidly spreading through raccoon populations across the United States, triggering new warnings from wildlife officials and veterinarians. The culprit, canine distemper, is not only fatal to domestic dogs but is now surfacing at an alarming rate in raccoons from North Carolina to Colorado. Experts are urging pet owners to take swift precautions before the virus claims more victims.

In coastal towns like Nags Head, North Carolina, police and wildlife agencies are fielding a surge of reports about sick raccoons. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission confirmed multiple cases of distemper in Dare County.

“Distemper is always present in the environment, so the best prevention for dogs is to ensure they are vaccinated,” officials told FOX Weather report.

Dogs that are not vaccinated are at severe risk of infection through direct contact with raccoon saliva, urine, or feces.

Canine distemper is spreading rapidly among raccoons in multiple U.S. states.

A Disease That Doesn’t Discriminate

Distemper is a highly contagious virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of infected animals. While it cannot infect humans, it is devastating to wildlife and domestic dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, symptoms in dogs can include nasal and eye discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and in severe cases, death. In raccoons, the signs often appear as disorientation, staggering movements, crusted eyes and nose, and a scruffy appearance.

The virus’s resemblance to rabies only adds to the confusion and concern. In many cases, animals must be euthanized to confirm the diagnosis through brain testing. In Mendota Heights, Minnesota, the local police department reported 14 raccoons showing clear signs of distemper. Last year, there were only four cases.

"Killing the raccoon helps stop the spread to other animals," the department told KSTP, adding that they had contacted the state’s Department of Natural Resources for guidance.

The virus is highly contagious and often fatal to dogs.

Colorado’s Crisis Deepens

The problem is not isolated to the East Coast or the Midwest. In Colorado, a troubling pattern has emerged. Raccoons in Alamosa and Monte Vista tested positive for the virus in multiple recent cases confirmed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

"We’ve had a number of reports, and one we submitted for testing did already come back positive for distemper,” CPW District Wildlife Manager Tyler Cerny told Kiowa County Press.

The virus’s reach has sparked warnings throughout the state. The Denver Gazette reports that canine distemper is showing up in multiple species, including foxes, coyotes, and skunks. Raccoons appear to be among the hardest hit, with experts noting that some infected animals exhibit green-glowing eyes, an unusual symptom linked to neurological damage from the disease.

Raccoons with distemper show signs of staggering, crusted eyes, and confusion.

Preventing the Spread Starts at Home

While there is no cure for distemper, it is preventable—at least for domestic pets. Officials from Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasize keeping dogs up to date on vaccinations, leashing them during walks, and avoiding any interaction with wildlife. They also advise against leaving food and water bowls outside, as they can attract infected animals. Feeding wildlife—especially raccoons—is strongly discouraged, as it can lead to overpopulation and more direct contact among animals, increasing transmission rates.

The risks extend beyond animals. If a sick raccoon bites or comes into close contact with a human or pet, health departments must test the animal for rabies out of caution. According to K99, canine distemper cannot be easily tested without brain tissue, making real-time responses difficult for both wildlife officials and concerned residents.

The disease mimics rabies but cannot be confirmed without brain testing.

Unnatural Congregation Creates a Perfect Storm

Feeding wildlife might seem harmless, even compassionate. But as Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports, it often has the opposite effect. Congregations of animals around artificial food sources become breeding grounds for viral transmission. Raccoons weakened from winter or injury are particularly vulnerable and more likely to contract and spread distemper in these environments.

One woman in Washington learned this the hard way. After leaving food out in her backyard, she found herself surrounded by more than 100 raccoons. Some were visibly ill, FOX Weather reports.

Symptoms in dogs include seizures, vomiting, and thickened paw pads.

What Pet Owners Can Do Now

The message from experts is clear: vaccinate, observe, and report. If you see a raccoon behaving oddly—staggering, foaming, or showing crusted eyes—do not approach it. Call animal control or your local police department. Avoid contact between pets and wildlife, and secure garbage and food sources that could attract raccoons.

Distemper may not be new, but its growing presence in wild raccoon populations is a serious warning. Protecting your dog starts with knowing what’s out there—and staying a few steps ahead.