Dozens of raccoons killed throughout province due to canine distemper fears

In July, the province issued a notice about a possible outbreak of canine distemper with multiple raccoons believed infected in Manitoba. (file image)

At least one Winnipeg neighbourhood is seeing a surge in cases of canine distemper in raccoons. In the past 10 days, Winnipeg police had to shoot five raccoons in East Kildonan.

Normally it’s Manitoba Conservation that responds to the calls, but if the public appears in danger, police can respond.

Officials with Conservation said their department has also been swamped with cases.

Since July, Conservation officials have had to put down 78 raccoons in the province.

"Our officers are fairly overwhelmed with raccoon calls right now. They try to respond the best they can. The area they cover is actually bigger than the City of Winnipeg,” said Dean Berezanski from Manitoba Conservation.

The virus can be spread from raccoons to dogs, provincial officials said. Dogs that become infected have their motor skills and mental abilities progressively deteriorate.

In July, the province issued a notice about possible outbreak of canine distemper with multiple raccoons believed infected.

Provincial officials said humans are not at risk from the disease.

In one of the raccoon cases, neighbours in East Kildonan noticed a raccoon acting strange, showing its teeth and coming right up to Joe Nagy’s home on Greene Avenue.

Concerned for the safety of residents nearby, Nagy did his best to carefully contain the animal, using a recycling Blue Box to put overtop to trap it.

“If you’d seen the Exorcist movie, you know I don’t believe in demon possession but it looked really crazy,” said Nagy.

The animal spent the night inside the box.

“After calling (Manitoba) Conservation three times, getting no answer, the police finally came because I decided to call emergency (911),” said Nagy. He said he's upset the animal had to be shot and killed.

Experts said canine distemper comes in cycles and Manitoba is currently seeing a surge.

“Possibly with the new garbage bins being moved, raccoons actually have less access to garbage for food and they are starting to disperse in that area,” said Dean Berezanski

For now, East Kildonan residents are doing what they can to keep the critters away, such as keeping garbage out of sight.

Provincial officials also advise vaccinating your dog against canine distemper and preventing any contact between dogs and wildlife. Residents are also advised not to leave a dog’s food or water outside in a yard as they can become contaminated.

Anyone spotting raccoons acting strange, such as showing laboured breathing or appearing lethargic, can call Manitoba Conservation at: 204‑945-5221.

More information is also available online at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/problem_wildlife/raccoon.html