These two articles expose the reality of living with wildlife. Distemper is likely the cause of strange-acting raccoons in Ohio. Meanwhile, researchers indicate viruses that infect amphibians, reptiles and fishes are studied little compared to the ones that affect mammals and birds.
Source: The Washington Post, April 5, 2018 (paywall).
Residents in Youngstown, Ohio, contacted police after witnessing raccoons standing on their hind feet and flashing their teeth. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said the raccoons are likely infected with a disease called distemper, according to reports.
Also see: Huge trove of unknown viruses found in fish, frogs and reptiles, Nature, April 4, 2018.
Analysis of more than 200 newly discovered RNA viruses confirms that they co-evolved with their vertebrate hosts over millions of years.
INSIGHTS: Animal health pros cannot not get complacent with prevention methods we know are proven and work. Further, if you know science students who decide veterinary medicine is not for them, urge them to take a look at research sciences. There is still a ton to learn.
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