Caddo Parish Animal Services and Mosquito Control is notifying the public of an increase in the amount of animal distemper cases in parts of Caddo Parish

Shreveport, LA – According to the statement, the Parish is monitoring a rise in positive cases, affecting approximately 30 raccoons, primarily in the Highland and Broadmoor neighborhoods. 

Distemper is a viral infection that can infect dogs, raccoons, skunks and foxes.

The virus does not cause disease in cats or humans.  

Dogs can become infected with the distemper virus from direct contact with a sick animal or from being near an infected animal when it is coughing or sneezing.

The virus can also be transmitted through shared food and water bowls, or other objects that were contaminated by an infected animal.

Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at highest risk for infection with distemper.