Canine distemper in La Plata County gray fox prompts advisory from CPW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  John Livingston
Southwest Region Public Information Officer
970-759-9590 / [email protected]

DURANGO, Colo. – A gray fox carcass found in La Plata County was positive for canine distemper after being tested at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife health lab in Fort Collins. 

CPW reminds residents of the importance of getting their pets vaccinated and to always avoid touching wildlife.

“We’ve had a number of reports, and the one we submitted for testing did come back positive for distemper,” said CPW area wildlife manager Adrian Archuleta out of Durango. “In these cases, any other fox in La Plata County exhibiting symptoms is presumed to be positive for canine distemper.”

The spread of canine distemper is most common through direct contact with infected animals, as the virus does not survive long outside the body. Canine distemper cannot be transmitted to humans but may be transmitted to unvaccinated domestic dogs. Please refer to your veterinarian for proper vaccination protocols for pets.

Key points for residents on disease and animal interactions:

• Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
• Keep your dogs on a leash when walking them.
• Do not let pets interact with any wildlife.
• Do not let wildlife frequent your backyard.
• Avoid keeping water and food bowls outside to limit possible contamination.
• Teach kids not to touch any wildlife.

Canine distemper is a contagious disease of carnivores caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV). The signs of CDV are not always the same and depend on the species and how long the animal has been infected. Sick animals often have difficulty moving and can act abnormally because of brain infections. Crusting around the eyes and/or nose is commonly observed, while other signs such as coughing, diarrhea, vomiting and thickened paw pads tend to be less obvious. Sick animals usually do not survive. 

Wild and domestic carnivores are susceptible to canine distemper. Species affected in Colorado include coyotes, foxes, racoons, skunks and other wild carnivores.

CPW reminds the public that it is harmful to feed wildlife. Feeding can lead to an unnatural number of animals congregating in one place, and a single infected animal can spread diseases through these interactions. Animals that are attracted to the provided food are exposed to the pathogens in the environment and can also spread pathogens directly to each other through “nose-to-nose” contact. Additionally, animals that are already stressed from winter conditions are more susceptible to diseases, making winter feeding particularly dangerous for wildlife health.

Because distemper cannot be definitely distinguished from rabies without testing of the brain, sick animals that have contacted people or pets should be tested for rabies. Please report any contact with wild animals to your local department of public health.