A raccoon from the area of Fishtown Road in Groton has tested positive for rabies, the Ledge Light Health District said in a public health alert today. The animal was tested on Wednesday, the alert said.
“The public should refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals,” the health alert said.
In August, a raccoon from the Noank Ledyard Road area in Groton tested positive.
In addition, the district said three skunks found in downtown Mystic in April were believed to have rabies.
Groton Animal Control captured the skunks in the downtown Mystic area during the week of April 22 to 29. The skunks were not tested for rabies, but animal control officers felt the animals were positive for rabies due to erratic behavior and their physical condition, a press release 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 bites or scratches that come into contact with saliva.
