2 Raccoons At Long Island Estate Test Positive For Canine Distemper Virus: Authorities

MASTIC BEACH, NY — Residents of the community near the William Floyd Estate in Mastic Beach are advised to avoid contact with and keep their pets away from wildlife, including raccoons after two of the animals tested positive for canine distemper virus in recent weeks, Fire Island National Seashore officials said Friday.

In late December, National Park Service staff saw the two raccoons behaving uncharacteristically and also found dead raccoons on the estate's grounds. While the raccoons tested positive for canine distemper, they were negative for both rabies and avian influenza.

Patch has reached out to Fire Island National Seashore officials.

The 600-plus-acre estate situated on Great South Bay is a popular destination for hikers and is one of the few nature preserves that allows dogs. In addition to raccoons, it's home to many flora and fauna, including deer, common backyard birds, hawks, and owls.

It is the ancestral home of the Floyd family, the descendants of William Floyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The estate's grounds are closed to the public, and expected to open for the season on May 1.

Canine distemper virus in raccoons is transmitted through close contact among their population and can spread to other predators including foxes and coyotes, and occasional cyclic outbreaks can happen among raccoon populations.

Raccoons showing symptoms of distemper may approach people, be active during the daytime, and appear lethargic or disoriented, stumbling or wandering about aimlessly.

Aggressive behavior is not a symptom of distemper, however, any raccoon may become aggressive if it feels threatened and people who notice them showing unusual behavior should not approach them.

While canine distemper does not pose a threat to people, it can be transmitted to dogs, which when not vaccinated for distemper are at risk for a potentially fatal disease.

People who see a raccoon showing symptoms or if they find them dead, should notify the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regional wildlife office at 631-444-0310.