(07:47) SANTA CRUZ COUNTY – Santa Cruz County officials have been seeing a rise in cases of raccoons infected with distemper. Distemper is a contagious viral illness that attacks the nervous, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Over 400 cases of raccoon distemper have been reported since the beginning of last year. Most of the cases have been reported out of Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Aptos. The illness poses no health risk to humans but is harmful to dogs and cats. Distemper is spread through bodily secretions. Residents are being urged to vaccinate their dogs and cats and feed their pets indoors. Anyone who sees a raccoon exhibiting symptoms of distemper is encouraged to call Animal Services. (S.G.)
