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MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is urging dog and cat owners to have their pets vaccinated against canine distemper.
Kim Royar, a special assistant to the commissioner, tells Vermont Public Radio (http://bit.ly/1V4nMsG ) that one gray fox has tested positive for the disease.
Royar says 14 foxes have been turned in to the department for behaving in ways associated with distemper. She says the department has also found skunks and raccoons behaving strangely in central Vermont, mostly around Barre and Montpelier.
Distemper attacks the respiratory and central nervous systems. People can't contract the disease.
Royar says infected animals might have discharge out of their noses or eyes, convulsions or paralysis.
She says pet owners, particularly those who own dogs, should make sure their dogs and cats are vaccinated.
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Information from: WVPS-FM, http://www.vpr.net
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