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Difference Between Distemper & Rabies for Raccoons

Distemper and rabies are both viral diseases that may infect raccoons. If you encounter a raccoon that appears ill, it is important to know the difference between these two seemingly similar diseases. Any such sightings should be reported to the local Department of Natural Resources office immediately.

  1. Mode of Transmission

    • Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, normally through a bite wound. Distemper is an airborne virus that travels in salivary secretions. It can be passed on through bites but most often is transmitted through an infected animal sneezing or coughing.

    Symptoms of Distemper

    • According to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, there are two different types of distemper that can present in raccoons. One type presents itself with runny nose, eye infections and upper respiratory infections. The other is referred to as the "dumb" form in which the raccoon stumbles around and may appear friendly with people, showing no fear at all.

    Symptoms of Rabies

    • According to the University of Missouri, the type of rabies that affects raccoons is more dangerous to humans and their pets than the types that infect other wildlife such as skunks. Symptoms may include extreme salivation, indiscriminate biting, odd vocalization, difficulty swallowing and paralysis that starts in the hind quarters and moves forward toward the rest of the body.

    Treatments

    • While there is no known cure for either distemper or rabies, distemper can be treated with hopes of survival by managing the symptoms and potential secondary infections. Once rabies has taken over to the point symptoms have begun to appear, it is always fatal. An animal suspected of having rabies must be euthanized and the brain tested to determine a positive diagnosis.

    Human Infection

    • Rabies can be transmitted from raccoons or other rabid animals to humans. It is just as deadly to humans as it is to animals. While there is no vaccination to prevent rabies infection, there are treatments available should someone be bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies. Conversely, distemper also can be transmitted to people but, according to Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP, only replicates within the body and does not cause illness.

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