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Distemper taking a toll on Missouri raccoons  From Missouri
Department of Conservation  -- JEFFERSON CITY—Missourians are
seeing more than the usual number of sick or dead raccoons this
winter, but the Missouri Department of Conservation says the
animals pose no threat to people or to properly vaccinated pets.
Resource Scientist Jeff Beringer said he is receiving a larger-
than-normal number of reports of sick raccoons. Tests on
diseased raccoons show that approximately 60 percent have canine
distemper.  The canine distemper virus affects unvaccinated
dogs, along with foxes, coyotes, skunks, minks, otters, ferrets
and bobcats. It does not affect domestic cats or humans. The
virus spreads through direct contact between animals or by
contact with infected animals’ feces, urine or body secretions.
Obvious symptoms include runny nose and eyes, cough, diarrhea
and vomiting.  The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is the Show-Me
State’s most recognizable furbearer, w