A raccoon from the area of Noank Ledyard Road in Groton has tested positive for rabies, the Ledge Light Health District said in a public health alert today.
“The public should refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals,” the health alert said.
Rabies is a caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system and can be deadly. Wild animals usually spread the virus, but stray cats and dogs can also become infected with rabies.
The virus lives in the brains and saliva of animals, so it can be spread by scratches that come into contact with saliva or by bites.
