River Otter Public Health Concerns

Diseases and parasites associated with river otters are rarely a risk to humans. Canine distemper, a disease that affects domestic dogs, may be found in Washington river otter populations. Have your dogs vaccinated for canine distemper to prevent them from contracting the disease. Giardia and Cryptosporidium are also found in river otters around the Puget Sound area. These could be a public health concern for immunocompromised people. Anyone handling a river otter should wear rubber gloves, and wash their hands well when finished.

This information was provide by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Russell Link, and Michael Holmquist

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