The mystery of raccoons "zombies" that invade Central Park in New York



[ad_1]

Raccoons are usually nocturnal and fearful creatures that move on all fours. Except in New York, where some behave in a strange and threatening way and are seen standing on two legs in broad daylight.

A viral outbreak that causes "zombie" behavior has caused the death of more than two dozen raccoons in Central Park in New York City has died in recent weeks.

City health and park officials revealed Saturday that at least 26 raccoons have died since the end of June. with two positive tests for the distemper virus, according to the New York Post. It is also believed that the other 24 are infected with the virus because of the proximity of their deaths in such a short time.

Although the distemper virus can not be transmitted to humans, it can be contagious to humans. dogs that have not been vaccinated. The newest raccoon cadaver was discovered Saturday morning at East 106th Street and East Drive. Other live raccoons have also been observed showing symptoms of the disease.

"They seemed to be circulating, wandering, having spasms," said Dr. Sally Slavinski, deputy director of the Department of Health. "Some of the raccoons had some type of nasal discharge."

According to PetMD, distemper can be spread by air and by direct or indirect contact. In dogs, the "main symptoms include high fever, red eyes, and watery runny nose and eyes." As the virus persists, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, paralysis, and hysterics. If the immune system of the animal is weak, death can occur within two to five weeks.

Hello, last night I learned that the raccoon zombie apocalypse is storming my home town. #ThoughtsandPrayers pic.twitter.com/W4RVaSN6Or

– Jes (@jesjohnsonn) 5 April 2018

Raccoons with the disease may also act aggressively after their onset sweet for the first time. Initially, experts thought that deaths and strange behaviors could be caused by rabies. However, after the tests, this was excluded. More samples were tested and revealed a distemper infection. Although humans are not in danger, dog owners have been alarmed to learn about the outbreak.

[ad_2]
Source link