Veterinary Public Health

Distemper in Raccoons 2017

Outbreak Summary

2017 map raccoons with distemper Los Angeles County 2017 map raccoons with distemper South Bay

In early 2017, animal control agencies in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles reported an increase in sick raccoons. Eleven raccoons with suspected Distemper were reported in Temple City (PDF).

Later in the year, sick raccoons were also reported by animal control agencies in the South Bay area.

2017 graph of distemper in raccoons Los Angeles County

A total of 58 cases were reported as of December 11, 2017.

  • 4 raccoons were confirmed by necropsy as having Distemper.
  • 54 raccoons had discharge from the eyes and nose, disorientation, and/or seizures, and were considered suspect cases.
  • 6 of the 58 raccoons were tested for rabies, and were negative.

What is Distemper?