07/27/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F5qJiwUhZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
We've been seeing a LOT of cases of distemper in The Colony in Georgetown Ky. I would like to share a post for education purposes.
RABIES vs. DISTEMPER in Raccoons: Know the Difference 🦝
Over the past few days, I've seen a lot of concern and misinformation about sick raccoons. I wanted to share some facts that may help our community respond safely and compassionately.
First, it's important to know this: Scott County has not had a documented case of rabies in a raccoon in approximately 30 years. While rabies is always something to take seriously, a sick raccoon is far more likely to be suffering from canine distemper than rabies.
Signs commonly seen with DISTEMPER:
🦝 Wandering aimlessly or appearing confused
🦝 Walking in circles or stumbling
🦝 Muscle tremors or seizures
🦝 Eyes that appear cloudy or have unusual movement
🦝 Thick discharge from the eyes or nose
🦝 Acting unusually tame or unafraid
🦝 Lying out in the open because they are too weak to seek shelter
Signs that may be seen with RABIES:
⚠️ Extreme aggression or unusual agitation
⚠️ Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
⚠️ Difficulty swallowing
⚠️ Paralysis
⚠️ Severe disorientation or unusual behavior
Unfortunately, the symptoms can sometimes look very similar, and you cannot determine which disease an animal has simply by watching it.
What should you do if you see a sick raccoon?
✔️ Keep your distance.
✔️ Bring pets indoors and keep them away from the animal.
✔️ Do not attempt to handle or corner it.
✔️ Contact your local animal control agency or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
Distemper is not considered a risk to people, but it is highly contagious to unvaccinated dogs and other wildlife. Rabies, while much less common here, is a serious disease and should always be treated with caution.
Every wild animal deserves to be treated with compassion. Many of these animals are suffering from illness, injury, or starvation—not acting aggressively on purpose. By giving them space and contacting the appropriate professionals, we help protect both our community and our wildlife.
Please help share accurate information. Knowledge saves both people and animals. ❤️🦝
