New Orleans City Park Warns Of 'Zombie-Like' Raccoons

New Orleans City Park officials are warning all park goers to be wary of raccoons potentially infected with a "zombie-like" virus that poses a threat to cats and dogs.

For months, the city has received reports of sick raccoons acting erratic, said Robert DeVaney, City Park COO. To figure out what was going on, they brought in experts with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries who determined the raccoons were infected with canine distemper. This virus, which poses no danger to humans but can be harmful and even deadly to dogs and cats, can also cause raccoons to "act like zombies," WWL-TV reports.

"If you're letting your dog loose off the leash and the dog has not been vaccinated against canine distemper, you run the risk of them interacting with one of these sick raccoons and you know it's transmitted by inhalation," said DeVaney. The virus could also be transmitted through direct contact with an infected raccoon or its droppings.

Symptoms of canine distemper could include discharge from the nose and eyes, a rough coat of hair, emaciated appearance, and unusual behavior like disorientation and wandering aimlessly. Infected raccoons could potentially approach park goers or sleep in open areas, and could become aggressive.

Several City Park regulars said they will continue to walk their dogs along the trails but will be more alert about potential signs of raccoons.

"I'm concerned about these raccoons," said Benjamin Dominach. "I haven't seen any, but I am kind of on my guard in case there are some crazy raccoons that are going to nibble at my toes."

Dominach continued, "I'm going to be looking out for raccoons in trees, maybe under small rocks, large rocks. When I'm kicking the soccer ball, I'm going to be looking for those raccoons."

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