SOUTHWICK — While the reports of raccoons acting strange, often walking in circles, and appearing lethargic began to drop in mid-September, there has been an uptick in reports over the last three weeks, but it’s not rabies, it’s canine distemper.
“It had gotten better, but it does seem we’ve had more reports in the last couple of weeks,” said Southwick Animal Control Officer Liz Bennett.
The virus poses no threat to humans, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies are susceptible to the fatal disease, she said.
She also said that in Southwick there hasn’t been one confirmed case of an animal testing positive for rabies this year.
As for the recent uptick in reports, Bennett said it could have been because of drought conditions forcing the animals to search for water in areas around residential areas.
Raccoons, she said, have a solitary existence, but when water sources in their natural habitat dries up or food becomes scarce, they will congregate in areas that offer both, which is how the virus is spread. When near each other, the one with the virus will spread it by mucus when they cough and sneeze.
The reports of the odd-acting raccoons began last May in Westfield and Southwick, and it didn’t take wildlife experts long to determine the raccoon population was being infected with distemper, which is 100% fatal.
“It’s just a natural reduction of the population. There was a large die-off in the spring and summer,” Bennett said.
According to the Westfield police logs, residents have called to report what appeared to be sick raccoons over a dozen times just in the last month, with nearly every call ending with the animal being euthanized either at the shelter or where found.
Bennett said that nearly all the raccoons infected with the disease don’t become aggressive, a symptom often seen in rabies. In fact, Bennett said, the sick animals are almost always docile.
Because the virus attacks the animals’ brains, they more often appeared confused and move very slowly, she said.
During one call this summer, Bennett said, she walked right up to one that appeared sick and slipped a noose over its neck, and it didn’t try to get free.
Because disease will eventually kill its host, when officers get a report of a sick raccoon, they will visit the area. If it’s still there and showing signs of distemper, they will have it euthanized by a police officer and properly dispose of the carcass.
“It’s the humane thing to do,” Bennett said.
She also asked residents not to leave voice messages to report a sick raccoon, because she doesn’t always see her messages until a day or two later, especially on the weekends.
She also expects reports soon of the virus showing up in skunks, coyotes, and it could spread to foxes.
David Wattles, the MassWildlife biologist for black bear and fur bearing species added that it appears that grey foxes are more susceptible to the virus than red foxes, and that fishers, a member of the weasel family, have also been infected.
The state’s Department of Public Health has these recommendations:
- Secure your garbage — Raccoons will happily raid garbage cans and compost piles. Make sure garbage is kept in tightly closed containers. Take out trash on the morning of pick-up instead of the night before. Keep compost in secure vented containers to prevent access.
- Don’t feed or try to pet raccoons — Raccoons are wild animals and feeding, whether directly or indirectly, may cause them to lose their fear of people.
- Feed pets indoors — Do not put pet food outdoors under any circumstances. Outdoor pet food inadvertently feeds a variety of wildlife species including raccoons. Congregating animals at a feeder can facilitate the spread of disease from raccoons to other wildlife and domestic species.
- Eliminate potential denning areas — Close off openings under porches and buildings. Seal any openings that lead into sheds or attics and cap off chimneys.
- Protect livestock — Keep livestock such as rabbits and chickens in secure enclosures that prevent entry from above and below.
