There has been a reported distemper outbreak in North Texas, according to a WFAA report. In the past three weeks, 49 infected raccoons have been captured. They report the infectious viral disease can live in the air for 60 days.

This puts the entire community of pets at risk for an often fatal illness. Vaccinations, awareness and precautions are key to keeping North Texas pets healthy.

The City of Plano has issued a warning and ways to keep your pets safe:

• Vaccinate your pets
• Keep pets away from wildlife
• Avoid leaving food outside (which attracts wildlife)
• If you think your pet is ill, seek medical attention immediately
• If you see a raccoon or other wildlife animal acting ill, do not attempt to capture, but contact your City animal control immediately

"Raccoons can be infected with both the canine and feline strains of the virus which means dogs and cats that come into contact with them are in danger of being exposed," according to the Plano Animal Services (PAS) website. "To keep your pets healthy, do not let them roam freely in your neighborhood or in parks."

Warning signs of distemper include:

• runny nose
• eye discharge
• fever
• loss of appetite
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• paralysis
• dehydration (due to vomiting and/or diarrhea)

PAS has picked up nearly three dozen raccoons carrying distemper and they are urging every pet owner in the North Texas area to seek medical help immediately if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms.

For more information, please check out the city's website or PAS.