Raccoon Is Sick Or Rabid Asheville

Raccoon activity observed during the day can cause panic as most people know raccoons to be nocturnal. However raccoons can be seen during the day with the availability of food and water, especially in neighborhoods. It is often though that seeing a raccoon during the day means it is rabid. While rabies in raccoons is a problem in certain areas, other infections can also be a concern. Densely populated raccoon areas, can be a key factor in spreading disease. Any sick or aggressive raccoon should be avoided. Often times infected raccoons will show signs that they are sick. Signs can include:

• Raccoons being lethargic, or erratic wandering.
• Discharge from eyes or mouth.
• Aggressive behavior.
• Raccoon approaching people and pets.

Rabies In Raccoons

Rabies in raccoons is a viral infection of the central nervous system and brain. Due to effective post exposure treatments and the rarity of bites from infected animals, the number of human fatalities are down to 1 – 2 in the United States annually. The virus is spread through saliva, and after it infects the animal, death of the animal is certain.

“Furious Form” Raccoon Rabies

This would describe the aggressive form of the rabies virus. Raccoons may display overly aggressive behavior by chasing, biting, clawing, approaching, growling, excessive drooling, and being a danger to people and pets.

“Dumb Form” Raccoon Rabies

This would describe the dumb form of rabies which includes lethargic behavior, wandering in circles, confused, approaching people and pets, and appearing to have no fear of humans.

Raccoon Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis in raccoons is a zoonotic disease thought to occur from urine contamination through contact of urine from a infected raccoon. Many people think, i wont have to worry about that. But here is how easily contamination can happen. If you have Christmas decorations in your attic, and you go up into your attic to retrieve decorations. Its hot in your attic, you are sweating, and wiping sweat off your face, eyes, and nose, but unknown to you, a raccoon had been up in your attic, and urinated on your decorations that you just pulled down. I used this story, because it just happened to a lady. Luckily she was able to seek medical treatment, even though initially she had dismissed it as flu symptoms.

Raccoon Distemper

Canine Distemper is one of the most common viral diseases in raccoons. Signs are often the same as if a raccoon were rabid. This virus infection is a threat to unvaccinated pets, and is often fatal. Raccoons are susceptible to canine and feline distemper. Symptoms will start slow with discharge in the eyes and nose often leading to a repository infection before taking a heavy toll. Transmission is spread through airborne droplets, body fluids, saliva, and droppings of a infected raccoon.

Raccoon Roundworm

Baylisascaris Infection is caused by a roundworm found in infected raccoons. Roundworm eggs present in infected raccoon droppings is the primary host, although other animals can become infected. People and pets are also at risk if they come in contact with roundworm eggs inadvertently. Anyone exposed to raccoon prone areas is at risk, or attics or under homes where raccoons have been. Raccoon Roundworm eggs are incredibly resilient. Even exposed to the elements of extreme heat and freezing cold, they can survive. There is no effective treatment once infected. The only way to effectively kill roundworm eggs is to use high heat. Professional help is recommended, call Animal Pros specialists today.

Raccoon Parvovirus

Similar to Canine Distemper, Raccoon Parvovirus is a viral disease often including diarrhea, and rapid deterioration of the raccoon, including sudden death. This disease affects raccoons and other carnivores.

Raccoon Mange

Raccoons can be often infected by a tiny parasite or mite, that live under the skin, that provokes a allergic reaction. There are three types of mange, and can cause concern if a mange ridden raccoon is in close proximity of your home. Mange can be contracted by people and pets, although treatable.

• Notoedric Mange – Often effects Cats
• Sarcoptic Mange – Can effect humans and cats and other animals.
• Demodectic Mange – Often seen in dogs.

Raccoon Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by contracting a parasite found in droppings. The parasitic disease that is one of the most common diseases affecting warm blooded animals and humans. Infections can occur from simply digging in areas where raccoon droppings are, eating under cooked meat, or eating raw fruits and vegetables containing the parasite.

Raccoon Parasites

When raccoons are found in close proximity to your home, there is more to worry about than just the raccoons. While raccoons are hosts to different zoonotic diseases, parasites are also a concern. Presence of ticks, fleas, and mites, often can make their presence known if around your home. If you or your pets have noticed fleas, then you may want to check your attic or crawlspace for the presence of a raccoon.