A Skunk In Groton Tested Positive For Rabies: Health Department

GROTON, CT — Friday the Ledge Light Health District issued a "public health alert" after a skunk found in Bluff Point State Park in Groton tested positive for rabies on Thursday.

Health officials caution that people should not feed or approach wild or stray animals.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people, according to Ledge Light. It is spread mostly by wild animals, but stray cats and dogs may also become infected and spread the virus. The rabies virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies can be spread by scratches from infected animals or when infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds, breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, like the eyes, nose, and mouth for example.

Anyone with questions or concerns, should contact Ledge Light Health District at 860-448-4882 or Groton Animal Control at 860-441-6709.