In  an update to a story we first told you about on March 8th, officials in Harlan report they have experienced a high number of sick raccoons this winter and early Spring. Callers to the Harlan Police and Animal Control Departments are reporting raccoons out in the broad daylight, acting sick and/or disoriented. City officials have not, however, received any reports of the animals biting or attacking humans. Authorities say the raccoons are infected with Canine Distemper, which does not pose a risk to humans. Even so, residents are being urged to leave the animals alone and not attempt to help them, even if they appear docile.

Many of the sick raccoons have been picked up and euthanized to prevent the spread and progression of the disease, which has been confirmed ISU’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. Distemper is spread by shared bodily excretions. Unvaccinated dogs are at risk, according to the experts, and need to be vaccinated to prevent the disease from affecting those animals.

Raccoons are attracted to food sources, such as pet food, grill drippings, bird seed, trash or compost. Officials recommend you discard those items and not invite the animals to your home. During the early stages of the illness, a raccoon may look calm and approachable, while days later, the animal becomes disoriented and weak. At that point, they are usually able to be caught by trained personnel. Sick raccoons are unlikely to find their way into live traps, as they lack the coordination to do so.

Again, officials in Harlan recommend dog owners have their animals vaccinated against Canine Distemper. You should also keep them from roaming free, and keep dogs away from strange animals. If you encounter a sick raccoon, call the City of Harlan at 712-755-5137, or, after hours, call the Harlan Police Department at 755-5151. Do not attempt to capture or dispose of the animals yourself.

(12-pm News)