Milwaukee Raccoon Removal: What Is Parvovirus?

Raccoons around your home aren’t just a nuisance. These trash pandas pose more than just a threat to your garbage cans. These animals carry various diseases, so raccoon removal from your home is critical. Parvovirus is just one of the many diseases carried by these masked critters. Learn more about this illness and how it could affect your family.

What Is Parvovirus?

There are multiple forms of parvovirus. Human parvovirus, classified as Parvovirus B19, can only infect humans. It’s often known as “slapped cheek disease” due to its telltale red cheek rash. The rash is predominantly only seen on infected children. Adults usually experience joint pain as a primary symptom. Parvovirus B19 is generally not serious. However, people with compromised immune systems or sickle cell anemia risk further complications. Humans cannot pass parvovirus B19 to animals and vice versa, animals cannot give their form of parvovirus to humans. Pets and wild animals such as raccoons are common carriers of parvoviruses. Animal parvoviruses are transmitted when an animal eats feces from an infected animal. Gross as it is, animals eating the dung of another animal is pretty run-of-the-mill. Unfortunately, parvovirus symptoms can turn fatal in animals and pose a significant risk to your pets. Contact wildlife control in Milwaukee if you have raccoons on your property. 

What Are the Symptoms of Animal Parvovirus?

Reach out to your veterinarian if your pet has any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever

Parvovirus is not curable; it needs to run its course. Veterinarians will often treat the symptoms to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Treatment includes closely monitoring animals at home and keeping them hydrated. Dehydration is a significant risk for animals with parvovirus, as persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause life-threatening dehydration. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has contracted the disease. Dogs and cats can be vaccinated against parvovirus to prevent infection. Talk to your vet about vaccinating your pet to stop parvovirus before it starts.

How Can You Prevent Animal Parvovirus?

Vaccinating your family pet against parvovirus is the first step for prevention. However, keeping infected wild animals away is also vital. Raccoons need a warm winter den to have their babies, known as kits; inside a human home is the perfect winter getaway. Once inside, raccoons can spread disease and cause significant damage to your home. Chimneys, walls, or attics are prime locations for a raccoon den. Loud nighttime noises are typically the first sign that your attic has become infested. You may also notice chewed wires, dumped trash bins, or damaged siding or roofing tiles. To keep these critters out, inspect your home’s exterior before the winter months and secure any potential entry points. You’ll also want to keep food sources far from your house. Garbage cans should be tightly-closed so they don’t attract these masked bandits.

Help With Raccoon Removal From Skedaddle

At the first sign that a raccoon has breached your defenses, contact the professionals at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. We will locate, remove and clean up after raccoons. In addition to parvovirus, raccoons carry several other diseases that could harm your family. Our cleaning services will keep your loved ones healthy. If any animals have made themselves a little too comfortable in your home, we offer attic restoration services. Animal infestations in the home pose a risk of parvovirus to your pets. Prevent the spread of animal parvovirus by keeping potentially infected wild animals away. Contact us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control if you find raccoons lurking about your property. We’ll locate and remove these animals and clean the area they inhabited. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is here to keep your family, furry or otherwise, safe and healthy.