Raccoon Tests Positive For Rabies In North Stonington, Health Officials Say

NORTH STONINGTON, CT — A raccoon in North Stonington was tested Wednesday and found to be positive for rabies.

The Ledge Light Health District said the animal was found on the Providence-New London Turnpike.

"Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people," the district wrote in a statement. "It is spread mostly by wild animals, but unvaccinated 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 (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.)."

Health officials said residents should:

• Refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals
• Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines
• Limit your pets’ unsupervised time outside

If you have questions, contact the Ledge Light Health District at 860-448-4882 or North Stonington Animal Control at 860-287-2197.