'Zombie Virus' Has Now Killed More Than 80 Central Park Raccoons

CENTRAL PARK, NY — More than 80 Central Park raccoons have died in an outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus that was first discovered in July, city Parks Department officials said.

Eighty-one raccoons have now been found either dead or dying from distemper as of Wednesday, a Parks spokeswoman said. The animals that are found dying, but alive, are euthanized. The Parks Department will continue to work with the Department of Health and the Animal Care Centers of New York to monitor the viral outbreak, parks officials said.

The first two raccoons who died of distemper were found on June 24 at East 72nd Street and on June 28 at East 102nd street, a Parks Department spokeswoman said. None of the animals have tested positive for rabies, which leads parks officials to believe there's no threat to humans.

"We ask the public to call 311 to request NYC Parks Rangers if they see a sick or injured raccoon," a Parks Department spokeswoman said in a statement.

Canine Distemper Virus has no effect on humans but can be spread to dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Most pets receive vaccinations for the virus, but pets whose immunizations are not up to date are at risk of infection.

"Canine distemper outbreaks in local raccoon populations can signal increased risk for pet dogs in the area," reads the American Veterinary Medical Foundation's website.

Other wildlife in the park such as skunks are also vulnerable to the virus, officials said. The disease spreads through contact with infected saliva, urine and feces.

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