There is a disease outbreak at the Jersey Shore and officials say that pets may be at risk.

The Point Pleasant Beach animal control officer reports an outbreak of the disease known as “canine distemper” among the area’s raccoon population. At least five raccoons have been picked up and euthanized in Point Pleasant Beach due to illness and there are indications that it has spread to Point Pleasant Borough and Bay Head.

Canine distemper is in the same class of viruses as the measles, and is highly contagious among the animal population. It does not affect humans.

The illness causes symptoms that mimic rabies. In addition to raccoons, it can infect foxes, coyotes, skunks and dogs. It's spread when animals have direct contact with body fluids or droppings from infected animals.

Some symptoms to look out for include red, water eyes and reduced appetite. 

As the illness affects the central nervous system, dogs may show "circling behavior." They can also have convulsions or seizures, and finally, partial or full paralysis. 

It's often deadly, and dogs that survive often have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.

Animal officials are urging pet owners to keep an eye on their dogs and to make sure pets are up to date on all of their vaccinations.

Ocean County authorities ask anyone who sees an animal who may be infected to immediately contact police.