Rabid Raccoon Advisory Sent Out in Willington

WILLINGTON, CT – Animal Control officials in Tuesday sent out a rabies warning to those in the Village Hill Road area near the Stafford town line.

On Friday, motorist stopped to help a "sick raccoon" on Village Hill Road, officials said.

She then "handled the animal" and took it to a veterinarian, at which time an EnCon police officer took custody of the animal and had it tested for rabies.

The test came back positive, authorities said.

The test came back positive for the rabies virus, officials said.

The woman is now beginning treatment for post exposure to the rabies virus, authorities said.

Animal Control officials released the following statement:

"It is VERY important to have dogs, cats, and horses vaccinated against the rabies virus (and not to let it expire!) as we don't always know there was contact until wounds are found and the wild animal may not be able to be found for testing.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, if you see a sick or injured animal, DO NOT TOUCH IT! If you feel it needs assistance or that the public may be in danger of the animal, please call us at 860-428-4422 or CT DEEP/EnCon at 860-424-3333."

Photo Credit: Tim Jensen