Local pet owners are encouraged to get those furry friends vaccinated against distemper. The reason: a rise in raccoons showing signs of the disease.
Emporia Police Animal Control has not mentioned the potential number of raccoons having issues with distemper or any areas of town where this may be a concern.
Distemper symptoms in raccoons include a discharge from the eyes or nose, emaciated appearance and disorientation or the appearance of wandering aimlessly. Symptoms get progressively worse over time and the disease is usually fatal.
Disorientation, nasal or eye discharge and wet or matted hair on the face are also symptoms of rabies. Lethargy, unusual aggressiveness or friendliness and a lack of concern to noise or nearby movement are also rabies symptoms. Having said that, Animal Control says raccoons locally are showing symptoms of distemper, not rabies.
If you see feral or wild animals showing symptoms of disease or odd behavior but aren’t being approached or attacked, call the Lyon County Emergency Communications non-emergency number at 620-343-4225. If you are being approached or attacked by a wild or feral animal, call 911.
