Rabid Raccoon Found In Hyannis

BARNSTABLE, MA — A rabid raccoon was discovered in Hyannis, Barnstable County health officials announced Thursday.

The raccoon was the first non-bat to test positive for rabies on Cape Cod in eight years, officials with the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment said.

Officials said they discovered the raccoon had rabies after receiving a call about a sick animal. There was no human contact with the raccoon.

Rabies in wildlife, primarily raccoons, skunks and foxes, has been managed in Barnstable County through oral rabies vaccine distribution conducted by the Cape Cod & Southeast MA Rabies Task Force each spring and fall. County health officials said they are working closely with U.S. Department of Agriculture and the town of Barnstable to "coordinate a targeted and comprehensive trap, vaccinate and release program."

Officials said sampling for rabies will continue being performed on wild animals that are injured, sick acting or found dead.

County officials asked residents to keep themselves, children and pets away from wild and stray animals and to keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccines.