LEWISTON, NY- The Niagara County Sheriff's Office and the Town of Lewiston Police are putting residents on alert after multiple cases of distemper in raccoons had been identified in Niagara County.
Officials say they've had more than 90 calls regarding sick raccoons since January 1.
The outbreak appears to be centered around the towns of Porter and Lewiston. No cases have been reported in Niagara Falls.
Distemper is highly contagious. It is caused by a virus. The Sheriff's office says infected raccoons may begin to wander aimlessly in a circle and be disoriented.
Unvaccinated dogs and cats are at risk of infection. Humans are not at risk as the disease cannot be passed on to people.
Dog and cat owners should make sure their pets have been vaccinated for the disease.
