Dogs Continue To Be At Risk In Point Pleasant Amid 'Epidemic'

An "epidemic" that's spreading in the Point Pleasant area and is a potential threat to dogs continues to be a problem, authorities say.

Point Pleasant Boro officials say they've now had to put down more than 35 to 40 raccoons because of a K-9 "distemper epidemic" reported by Animal Control Officer "Muskrat" Jack Neary.

Neary said he picked up and euthanized 5 raccoons in Point Pleasant Beach over just several days. Distemper, he said, has since spread to raccoons in Point Pleasant Boro and Bay Head.

Signs that a raccoon may have distemper are: They begin to wander aimlessly in a circle, disoriented and unaware of their surroundings, and then suffer paralysis or exhibit other bizarre behavior as a result of brain damage.

Many of these symptoms are often mistaken for the signs of rabies, which can only be determined by laboratory testing. Muskrat Jack noted several of the raccoons have been taken to the lab for testing and results are pending at this time.

Anyone encountering a raccoon exhibiting this behavior should call the police immediately so animal control can be dispatched to retrieve the raccoon. Pet owners are encouraged to keep their dogs and cats up to date on all their vaccinations

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure, according to the petMD website. The disease affects dogs, and certain species of wildlife, such as raccoons, wolves, foxes, and skunks.

The virus, which is spread through the air and by direct or indirect contact with an infected animal, initially attacks a dog’s tonsils and lymph nodes and replicates itself there for about one week. It then attacks the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, according to the site.

Canine distemper is sometimes also called “hard pad disease” because certain strains of the virus can cause an abnormal enlargement or thickening of the pads of an animal’s feet. In dogs or animals with weak immune systems, death may result two to five weeks after the initial infection, according to the site.

Shutterstock photo