Prospect Park Raccoons Test Positive For 'Zombie' Virus: City

PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN -- Prospect Park raccoons have tested positive for the "zombie virus" that killed more than 85 Central Park raccoons earlier this year, according to a New York City Parks Department notice that appeared in the park over the weekend.

"Raccoons in Prospect Park have tested positive for canine distemper virus," reads a notice, which FIDO Brooklyn posted to Twitter on Sunday. "Although the virus cannot be transferred to humans, it may be transmitted to dogs."

Raccoon Distemper Advisory #ProspectPark #Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/3D0Abfz7Wi
— FIDO Prospect Park (@FIDOBROOKLYN) October 8, 2018

The Parks Department found two raccoons in Prospect infected with canine distemper virus and two others are being tested for the “zombie” virus that attacks the animal's central nervous system, according to CBS News.

Park officials warned dog owners to make sure their pets' vaccines were up-to-date, keep pups on leashes in Prospect Park and call 311 to report any sick or injured animals, the sign notes.

"If a raccoon bites your dog and its rabies vaccinations are not up to date, the dog may need to be quarantined," the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene warns, but notes the virus is not a threat to humans.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock