Community Corner

Raccoon In Groton Tests Positive For Rabies

A raccoon from the Meech Avenue area was tested Saturday.

A raccoon from the area of Meech Avenue in Groton has tested positive for rabies, the Ledge Light Health District said in a public health alert Saturday.

“The public should refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals,” the health alert said.

In January, a raccoon from the Fishtown Road area in Groton tested positive. In addition, the district said three skunks found in downtown Mystic in April 2012 were believed to have rabies. The skunks were not tested, but animal control officers felt the animals were positive for rabies due to erratic behavior, 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.

For more information or to have questions answered, call Ledge Light Health District at 448-4882 or the Animal Control Officer at (860) 441-6709.


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