What is raccoon distemper?
Next to humans, the second leading cause of death of raccoons is distemper. Raccoons are susceptible to infection by both canine and feline distemper. Although both can cause illness and death, they are caused by two different viruses. Canine Distemper is caused by a virus that affects animals in the families Canidae, Mustelidae and Procyonidae. Canine distemper is common when raccoon populations are large. The virus is widespread and mortality in juveniles is higher than in adults. Feline distemper or feline panleukopenia, is a highly infectious viral disease affecting members of the Felidae, Mustelidae and Procyonidae.
