MANCHESTER, N.H. — Foxes in New Hampshire may be spreading a virus that could be deadly for house pets, according to wildlife officials.
Dead gray foxes have been turning up with symptoms of Canine Distemper, a gastrointestinal virus spread by close animal contact, game officials say. The virus is spread among wildlife and can occur in foxes, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, mink, weasel, fisher and otter.
It can also be transferred to domestic dogs and ferrets; so pet owners are asked to be cautious.
State veterinarian Dr. Stephen Crawford says wild animals with the virus often display symptoms like tameness, confusion and high-risk daytime activity -- like lingering near busy streets.
Canine distemper is fatal to wildlife and has no cure. If it isn’t fatal to household pets, it can cause permanent nervous system damage, according to Crawford.
Domestic animals can be vaccinated to prevent infection.
For more information on canine distemper, talk with your veterinarian. Good online resources include: avma.org and merckvetmanual.com.
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