Rabid Raccoon Found On Haverford College Campus

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA – Haverford Township said a raccoon found in the area has tested positive for rabies, and that a suspected rabid raccoon attacked a dog and its owner in the township.

According to the township, a raccoon found at Haverford College has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was found Sept. 15 on campus, officials said.

Additionally, a suspected rabid raccoon attacked a dog and its owner near Ellis Road and Castle Rock Drive on Wednesday, Sept. 20, the township said. Both were bit and received medical treatment for the injuries, the severity of which are unknown, officials said.

Animals who are “furiously” rabid may appear to be agitated, bite or snap at imaginary and real objects, and drool excessively, the township said.

In the “dumb” form of rabies, animals may appear tame and seem to have no fear of humans, according to the township. Other signs include the animal appearing drunk or wobbly, circling, seeming partially paralyzed, acting disorientated, or mutilating itself.

However, most of these signs can also be indicative of other diseases like distemper or lead poisoning, according to the township.

The township said anyone who encountered a suspected rabid animal should call 911 immediately.

The township offered tips to avoid the risk of rabies in animals and humans:

• Make sure that dogs, cats and pet ferrets have current rabies vaccines.
• The rabies vaccination is the most effective way of protecting pets and humans from rabies.
• Keep your pets on a leash and don’t allow them to run at large.
• Avoid any unfamiliar animals, especially if an animal appears to have symptoms of rabies.
• Keep lids on garbage cans, so animals are not attracted to your property.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has a dedicated page to rabies education, including signs of rabies, side effects, what to do when exposed to rabies, and more.

Image via David Slater, Flickr Commons