FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dr. Richard Carpenter, DVM
Caloosa Veterinary Medical Society
(239) 590-0550

Increase in Distemper Cases Suspected in Lee County, Lee County Animal Services Notes Increases in Wildlife Handled

Fort Myers, Florida, (March 2, 2004) - Officials with Lee County Animal Services have seen an increase in the number of calls regarding sick wild animals and distemper is suspected. The increase began a few months ago when officials first noted sick foxes had been displaying symptoms consistent with canine distemper. Acting on this observation Lee County Animal Services sent specimens to the State Lab for testing. The test results were positive for canine distemper. Dr. P.J. Deitschel, DVM - veterinarian for CROW (Care and Rehabilitation of Wildlife) confirmed they had also seen increases in fox distemper cases throughout Lee County.

In the past few weeks, Lee County Animal Services has seen a remarkable increase in the number of sick raccoons and skunks being reported. Again the suspected culprit is distemper. Since both canine distemper and rabies are forms of encephalitis the first course of testing is for rabies. All animals sent in for rabies testing have come back negative. No raccoon or skunk specimens have been sent to the lab for distemper testing, but officials with Lee County Animal Services are treating all sick foxes, raccoons and skunks as if they may be harboring a contagious disease - with distemper the primary suspect in most cases.

The Caloosa Veterinary Medical Association is recommending that pet owners in Lee County take these reports seriously and check to be certain that their animals are current not only on rabies vaccinations but also vaccinations against distemper and other viral diseases. Consult your family veterinarian to see if a vaccination or booster is appropriate for your pet.

Canine distemper is a contagious, incurable, often fatal, multisystemic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Feline distemper, panleukopenia, is a distinctly separate disease that causes a decrease in the white blood cells required to fight disease and infection often causing severe damage to the linings of the stomach and intestines.

Distemper, both canine and feline forms, can be carried and spread by wildlife to domestic pets. Wolves, foxes, coyotes and dogs generally can spread canine distemper. Bobcats, lynx and domestic cats can spread feline distemper. Raccoons and skunks can carry and spread both canine and feline distemper. Pet owners living near wooded areas and pet owners whose animals spend extended periods of time outdoors must be most concerned with increased potential for wildlife contact. Growth in the area has created a loss of habitat increasing human and pet contact with wildlife. The result is a need for greater education and caution regarding wildlife, the diseases they may carry, and how to protect people and pets from these threats.

For more information about canine and feline distemper visit http://animalhealthchannel.com/distemper or http://www.askdrpetra.com/Cats/Panleukopenia%20%28Distemper%29%20in%20Cats.htm

Or contact Richard Carpenter, DVM of the Caloosa Veterinary Medical Society at 590-0550.