A viral outbreak of canine distemper in south Louisiana is causing wild animals to lose their fear of people, according to Dr. James LaCour, Louisiana’s state wildlife veterinarian.LaCour said the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is monitoring an outbreak of the distemper virus from the Florida Parishes to Lafayette.According to the agency, the disease is spreading among raccoons and is often fatal. Some people describe the animals as walking in a stupor, or zombie-like state. LaCour said people reporting the animals often think they are infected with rabies. He said the symptoms are similar but canine distemper cannot be transmitted to humans. There is concern for area pets, which can contract and spread the disease, he said.LaCour is encouraging pet owners to have their pets vaccinated against the canine distemper virus. He said the shot requires an annual booster and can be given along with the annual rabies vaccine.Watch the video for more information.Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!

A viral outbreak of canine distemper in south Louisiana is causing wild animals to lose their fear of people, according to Dr. James LaCour, Louisiana’s state wildlife veterinarian.

LaCour said the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is monitoring an outbreak of the distemper virus from the Florida Parishes to Lafayette.


According to the agency, the disease is spreading among raccoons and is often fatal. Some people describe the animals as walking in a stupor, or zombie-like state. LaCour said people reporting the animals often think they are infected with rabies. He said the symptoms are similar but canine distemper cannot be transmitted to humans. There is concern for area pets, which can contract and spread the disease, he said.

LaCour is encouraging pet owners to have their pets vaccinated against the canine distemper virus. He said the shot requires an annual booster and can be given along with the annual rabies vaccine.

Watch the video for more information.

Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!