Raccoon Tests Positive For Rabies In East Granby

EAST GRANBY, CT — A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in the area of the East Granby and Tariffville line, according to a post from Suffield Animal Control.

The agency said residents should make sure all of their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and to avoid contact with wildlife.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people. 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 (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.)

For more information, see the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's website.