TWRA Addresses Reports Of Sick Raccoons In West Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) said in a news release Wednesday it has received numerous reports of sick raccoons with symptoms consistent with rabies or canine distemper infections. Members of the public should exercise caution and avoid interacting with sick wildlife.

Rabies is a virus that can affect all mammals, including humans, and is deadly if left untreated. However, raccoon-variant rabies has not been identified in West Tennessee and is not suspected by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) at this time.

Canine distemper is also caused by a virus and affects many carnivore species, including domestic dogs, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes, but it has not been seen to affect humans. Canine distemper occurs naturally in wild populations. Outbreaks of the disease tend to occur every 5-7 years and have been seen when raccoon populations become highly concentrated. No cure exists for the disease, although with a 50% mortality rate, some animals will survive. This disease can be transferred from raccoons to dogs, and pet owners should take precautions to limit exposure.

If you see a sick raccoon, please follow these guidelines:

• Do not approach or handle sick wildlife.
• Keep children and pets away from sick wildlife.
• Do not feed raccoons. Remove possible food sources like garbage cans, pet food bowls, and compost piles. 
• Keep pet vaccines up to date to prevent infection.
• If a wild animal has bitten a person or pet, they may contact their local health department (https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/localdepartments.html) or the Tennessee Department of Health (615-741-7247 or 615-687-7033) for an animal bite consultation and risk assessment.

TWRA does not have staff to provide animal removal services. Members of the public who need assistance with animal removal should contact local pest removal services or animal control. TWRA is the permitting agency for these companies which can be found at TWRA Animal Damage Control (state.tn.us).