Can Raccoons Carry the Ebola Virus?

With all the hype over the recent Ebola scares and close-encounters, it’s no wonder everyone is asking about wild animals, namely raccoons, and the diseases they may carry. Many people associate Rabies with raccoons. This is because they, along with several other species of mammal, are known carriers of the virus. Other common diseases commonly carried by or associated with raccoons includes Leptospirosis, Histoplasmosis, roundworm, canine distemper, lice, and other parasites.

Although ‘coons can carry a wide range of diseases, Rabies is the most prevalent disease associated with the species. And with this virus being commonly connected with coons, it has caused new rumors about new viruses, including Ebola. There is a reason why these species have been recently connected to the E-virus, and it has mostly to do with Rabies. Continue reading to learn what this connection means and where it stems from in the first place.

Ebola and Rabies

Raccoons are being questioned when it comes to the recent Ebola outbreaks in the United States mostly due to the fact that they are known carriers of the Rabies virus; a virus that share much of the same qualities as Ebola. This is why people are talking about raccoons and Ebola. When a mammal is infected with the E-virus, they show similar symptoms as would a mammal infected with the R-virus. Now the truth is, raccoons could very easily contract the E-virus, just as they could Rabies; however, it would be difficult to do. So the likelihood of a coon having Ebola is slim. It is not like spreading a cold or flu, where a simply cough or sneeze can cause another person to get sick.

In order to become infected with either diseases, direct bodily fluid must be exchanged; and it’s also rare to come in contact with the E-virus in the first place. Here in the United States, we retain ample medical centers, doctors, nurses, staff, modern medicine, technology and more to contain and treat any such virus. It is not a threat to worry about, ever. Still, you should never try to touch a wild animal of any kind, as they may be carriers of other transmittable diseases.

Raccoon Exclusion Services

Contact a professional wildlife removal and control company for proper animal removal services and preventative maintenance. Be sure to use a licensed and experienced raccoon control company that only uses safe and humane methods to extract coons and prevent their return. These special and misunderstood mammals should never be harmed, trapped, or killed under any circumstances. A trusted animal control company will relocate them to a faraway and safe habitat where they can thrive in peace.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for professional raccoon removal services in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial raccoon control services at the most affordable prices in town. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife contractors are happy to answer your questions about raccoon removal and control, anytime. We offer emergency services, free estimates, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request free estimate for Louisville raccoon removal, today.

What is Raccoon Distemper?

One of the leading causes of death among raccoon populations is a virus called Distemper. Although raccoons can become infected with the disease, there is no such thing as “raccoon distemper.” Instead, two kinds of distemper exist: feline distemper and canine distemper. Each one is caused by a different virus, but both can cause acute illness and death in animals. Continue reading to learn more about distemper, how it affects raccoons, and how to prevent your beloved pets from accidentally becoming infected.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is more common in raccoons than the feline version. Once infected, it progresses slowly, appearing initially as an upper respiratory infection. During this stage, raccoons will experience minor symptoms like runny noses and watery eyes. But soon after, the illness takes a harsh turn into conjunctivitis, which produces gastrointestinal complications, pneumonia, and extreme weight loss. Once this begins, raccoons will enter the final stages of the virus, which causes confusion, disorientation, and brain damage. Raccoons will evince strange behaviors during this stage, such as wobbling around, wandering aimlessly in a circle, and paralysis. This can happen sometimes during the day even though they are primarily nocturnal animals. Many people may confuse all of these signs with the Rabies virus, and understandably so, but to the trained eye, it is clearly distemper.

Feline Distemper

Feline distemper starts out differently than its canine version. Raccoons will experience high fevers and gastrointestinal complications (i.e. vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, etc.), followed by depression and a reduction in white blood cells (leukopenia). It takes less than a week’s time for Feline distemper to become fatal in animals.

Treating Distemper

Distemper in raccoons is primarily spread through bodily fluids and excretions, including blood, saliva, urine, and feces. This means it can travel and spread via airborne droplets or bodily contact. Unfortunately, there is no cure for distemper once an animal is infected with the virus. This is why it is so vital for pet owners to have their dogs and cats vaccinated on a yearly basis. Curious pets may come across an infected raccoon, skunk, or opossum at any time. Having the proper vaccinations protects their immune system from contracting the illness.

Raccoon Removal in Louisville

Call 502-553-7622 for raccoon removal services in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control contractors that provide safe and humane raccoon removal at an affordable price. We provide commercial and residential raccoon control in all surrounding counties. Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control in Louisville, KY today.

How Can I Afford Raccoon Removal Services in Louisville Kentucky?

When raccoons are becoming a nuisance on your property, or worse, you suspect you might have raccoons in the attic, it is vital to get professional wildlife control assistance right away. Many homeowners experience problems with raccoons, including structural damage and attic insulation damage. They frequently have anxiety about paying for such repairs and the costs associated with raccoon removal and control services. Fortunately, home and property owners don’t need to worry about their budgets any longer when they need animal removal services. Just count on Raccoon Removal Louisville for all your raccoon control and attic restoration needs!

Raccoon Property Damages

Raccoons can cause damage to the inner structures of our homes and buildings. They usually enter from above, like attics and roofs, and can make their way to the bottom of a home or property, overtime. The longer raccoons nest in a property, the more damage is likely or occur. Attic insulation is ripped down and used as nesting, drywall and floorboards become saturated with urine and droppings, leftover food debris decays and rots, and all of these can seep into ceilings and create undesirable odors throughout the living quarters of a home or property. Many people are afraid to see just how much these kinds of repairs will cost, but at Raccoon Removal Louisville, everyone can afford raccoon damage repair services and more!

Raccoon Removal Louisville

Raccoon Removal Louisville is fully insured and licensed company, and long-time BBB members. We take great pride in being a locally owned and operated business in Kentucky. This is why we offer the most competitive prices in town, guaranteed! Not only do we have the lowest prices for raccoon control and attic insulation repair, we are open to working with anyone’s budget! We are highly trained and qualified technicians that have more than 25 years of experience in the wildlife rescue and control industry.

You can trust that we never harm, kill, or trap wild animals under any circumstances. Instead, we use safe and humane methods to extract raccoons and prevent their return. We offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties; including raccoon removal, raccoon cleanup, attic restoration and repair, raccoon proofing, and much more! We even provide emergency services, free estimates, and more. Call 502-553-7622 when you need prompt and professional raccoon removal services in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

Now is the Time to Beware of Potential Raccoon Infestations

Winter is around the corner, and Fall is already upon us. This means that hibernating, or breeding mammals are looking for safe shelter until Spring is here again. In suburban or city areas, raccoons and other animals are forced to find shelter in residential and commercial properties due to land over-development and lack of outdoor space. So this time of year is when most raccoon infestations begin.

Because raccoons are so intelligent, they are very capable of remembering where dominant food sources are located, and how to gain access into a warm and cozy environment. Continue reading to learn how to combat this problem with effective preventative maintenance and raccoon-proofing strategies for your home or office.

Raccoon-Proofing

Raccoon infestations can cause an excessive, smelly mess of urine, breeding debris, and droppings, as well as, extensive structural damages and more. A messy raccoon infestation calls for a professional animal removal service that specializes in raccoons. They retain the proper tools, equipment, licensing, and training to accurately assess a raccoon problem, and render safe, effective, and humane raccoon control services. This is what you should do if you suspect you already have a raccoon infestation in your attic, crawl space, walls, or outdoor area of your property.

In order to prevent raccoons in the attic, or any other type of raccoon infestation or problem, implement some easy DIY techniques to thwart wildlife from trespassing onto your property. For example, remove all pet food dishes from outside. Pet food, bird seed, and gardens are all huge attractions and treats for raccoons and other wild animals. Remove bird feeders and pet food, and you have begun the journey to a raccoon-free life.

Also, never take your garbage outside to the driveway the night before trash pickup. Raccoons are scavengers and will rip through all your garbage for scraps of food and nesting material. This means you wake up to a huge mess in your driveway, plus a guarantee return from your new four-legged friends. They will remember your yard as a food source and return for more. By removing these attractions, you can make raccoons lose interest in your property. Last, have a professional Louisville raccoon removal company implement professional inspection and sealing services to ensure your home is free from vulnerabilities that would allow raccoons to gain entry inside. Things like broken doors, hinges, loose roof shingles, and more can be fixed to prevent accessibility.

Louisville Raccoon Removal

Call 502-553-7622 for professional raccoon removal services in Louisville, Kentucky. We are highly trained and DNR licensed Louisville raccoon removal contractors with decades of experience in the industry. We offer a wide range of services for raccoon control and raccoon damages. We also offer free estimates, emergency services, and more. Call us at 502-553-7622 and speak with a live and friendly raccoon control specialist about raccoon removal in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

Will a Wild Raccoon Attack?

Although becoming more popular to domesticate these days, raccoons are wild animals by nature. No matter how friendly-looking or tame a wild animal appears, you can never be too sure if it will turn on you and attack. Many residential homeowners spot raccoons on their properties, in search of food and shelter. This can make a person very uneasy and ask the question, “Will a raccoon attack?” It is understandable for people to be worried once they see raccoons or other wild animals frequenting their property night after night. Families with young children and pets are especially timid on the topic of wild animal attacks. So what do you do if you see a raccoon on your property? Will it attack and harm you? Continue reading to find out!

Reasons a Raccoon Might Attack

There are several reasons explaining why raccoons attack people and pets. It is not unlikely for a raccoon to become aggressive and lunge at other animals and humans. Because raccoons are known carriers of various illnesses and diseases, no one ever wants to be bitten or scratched by one. Some of the most common reasons a raccoon will attack or become aggressive include mother raccoons nursing her young. If a dog happens to find a female raccoon with a little of pups, she may act defensively in order to protect her brood. Many dog injuries caused by raccoons happen this way.

Provoking or teasing a raccoon is another common reasons why these animals attack people and pets. Another nosy dog, a petty stray cat, or a group of children can easily provoke a raccoon into self-defense mode; which can lead to an attack or injury. It is important to steer clear when you see a wild raccoon. It is highly advised to simply keep your distance while making smooth slow movements towards indoors. Never try to catch or trap raccoons; this is typically illegal in most states anyway. Also, never try to touch or pet a raccoon. No matter how cute and cuddly a group of a baby raccoons look, never try to take them in or hold them. Most often, the mother coon is right around the corner!

If you are experiencing problems with raccoons on your property, contact a professional wildlife removal company for assistance you can trust. Be sure they are licensed and experienced in raccoon removal and control. Consider implementing some raccoon-proofing strategies with them as well to prevent raccoons and other wildlife from trespassing on your property again.

Raccoon Removal Services – Louisville, KY

Call Raccoon Removal Louisville at 502-553-7622 for superior raccoon control services in Kentucky. We are highly trained and DNR licensed raccoon removal specialists with decades of experience in the animal control industry. We only use safe and humane methods of raccoon extraction, and provide a wide range of commercial and residential services for raccoon control and prevention. Contact us today at 502-553-7622 and receive a free estimate for raccoon removal in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.