Breaking NewsSponsored by The Sullivan Auto Group
Subscribe: Home Delivery Special!
Davis researchers sniff out cause of mysterious skunk deaths
By Ngoc Nguyen - ngnguyen@sacbee.com
Last Updated 3:12 pm PDT Thursday, May 15, 2008
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, said canine distemper is the culprit of dozens of skunk and other wildlife deaths near Redding.
Davis researchers ruled out distemper last month based on early molecular tests, but necropsies showed tissue damage associated with a contagious virus that causes distemper.
Canine distemper causes inflammation in the nervous and respiratory systems. Since February, 83 skunks, 13 foxes and 12 raccoons were reported to have died from mysterious causes in Shasta County. Based on two necropsies and spatial analysis that found a "clustering of deaths," researchers linked the animal deaths to the distemper virus, Gabriel said.
Distemper can also afflict other "carnivores," including wolves, coyotes, dogs and cats, said Mourad Gabriel, a UC Davis graduate student who helped fish and game officials in Redding collect samples from dead animals.
Gabriel advised owners to vaccinate pets and keep them away from wild animals. The virus is not a threat to humans.
Pete Figura of the Department of Fish and Game in Redding said he is monitoring distemper deaths in Shasta Country only and he's not aware of cases in other counties.
Davis researchers now plan to isolate the virus to identify any unusual strains. They also will collect samples from dead animals. Gabriel said people who find a dead or dying animal should not touch it, and report it to fish and game officials.
Department of Fish and Game in Redding, main line: (530) 225-2300.
About the writer:
- Call The Bee's Ngoc Nguyen, (916) 321-1041.
Recommend this story at Yahoo! Buzz:
Unique content, exceptional value. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Most Popular
More Stories in News
News |
Sports |
Business |
Politics |
Opinion |
Entertainment |
Lifestyle |
Travel |
Blogs |
Cars |
Homes |
Jobs |
Classifieds/Shopping
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map | Advertise | Guide to The Bee | Bee Jobs | FAQs | RSS
Contact Us | e-edition | Subscribe | Manage Your Subscription | E-newsletters | Sacbeemail | Archives
sacbee.com | Sacramento.com | Capitol Alert | SacMomsClub.com | SacPaws.com | SacWineRegion.com
Copyright © The Sacramento Bee
2100 Q St. P.O. Box 15779 Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 321-1000