Raccoons with 'zombie-like' behavior in Central Park

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Two of 26 raccoons found dead in Central Park since late June tested positive for canine distemper virus, according to NYC health officials. The animals are reportedly dying in an ongoing viral outbreak.

The illness, which cannot be spread to humans, can affect dogs and certain species of wildlife. It spreads when animals make contact with infected saliva, feces, respiratory discharge or urine.

Most dogs that are vaccinated are protected from distemper.

Raccoons with distemper act disoriented and lethargic. Infected animals can become aggressive.

"No raccoons have tested positive for rabies," said the NYC Health Dept. in a statement. "Test results have not discovered any risk to human health. The Health Department will continue to monitor the extent and duration of the condition.”

Earlier this year, a resident of Youngstown, Ohio, reported a raccoon followed him all the way to his door and then got up on its hind legs and showed its teeth. The raccoon froze and fell over backward, like it had been paralyzed. It woke up a few moments later and repeated the same behavior.