A Raccoon Distemper Outbreak Has Been Declared in the Toronto Area

Toronto Animal Services have declared a distemper outbreak in raccoons in the Toronto area.

According to a report by CP24, the number of sick or dead raccoons has spiked in recent months, causing the organization to determine that it is related to distemper.

Distemper is a serious and contagious disease that can only be found in wildlife. It is a virus that attacks the respiratory and nervous systems of animals and leads to severe illness, and in many cases, death.

In a Facebook post, East Toronto resident Joseph Romain said he was approached in his yard by an “angry raccoon” who was “squawking and screaming, and hissing.”

The TAS says that this phenomenon occurs every two to three years, and that its frequency since May of this year indicates that we are in the midst of an outbreak.

Humans are warned to stay away from raccoons at the present time, as their symptoms can lead them to lose fear in humans and appear aggressive.

The TAS is also advising that individuals with dogs should ensure they do not make contact with surrounding wildlife and to make sure they are vaccinated against distemper.

Toronto Animal Services told CP24 the heaviest hit areas are Toronto-Danforth and Beaches East York.