Riverside Park Raccoons Test Negative For 'Zombie' Virus: City

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Two raccoons that were found sick in Riverside Park tested negative for canine distemper virus, squashing fears that the "zombie" virus has spread from Central Park, a city Parks Department spokeswoman said.

Both raccoons were recovered by Parks Department rangers in different parts of Riverside Park — which stretches along the Hudson River from West 72nd to West 129th streets — after being spotted by park visitors in September. The animals also tested negative for rabies, a Parks Department spokeswoman said.

An outbreak of canine distemper virus in Central Park affected 175 of the park's raccoons and prompted the Parks Department to warn parkgoers not to let their dogs off-leash within the confines of the park, a city Parks Department spokeswoman said.

The advisory was issued after it was found that two dogs that were off-leash had run ins with raccoons in the park, city officials said. The two dog vs. raccoon altercations occurred in August, and resulted in pet owners being scratched by the animals, city officials said.

Rangers have not collected a raccoon in Central Park since Sept. 7, the spokeswoman said.

Humans are not affected by canine distemper virus, but are warned not to interact with wildlife in city parks. If bit by a raccoon, one should wash the wound with soap and water and get tested for rabies, parks officials said.

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. Canine distemper virus is likened to a "zombie virus" because it can make animals display strange behavior.

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