Coyote Bites Worker In Wallingford, Tests Positive For Rabies: Report

WALLINGFORD, CT — A coyote that interacted with a person in Wallingford on Tuesday has tested positive for the rabies virus, according to the Wallingford Animal Control.

The incident happened on Main Street in the area of United Concrete, according to a post on the animal control’s Facebook page.

WTNH News 8 reports a United Concrete employee was bitten by the coyote as he was arriving to work.

The coyote had been trying to attack employees on fork lifts and trucks, according to WTNH.

Read more from the Wallingford Animal Control below:

Here are some important facts:

-The rabies virus is a fatal disease that affects mammals.

- It is spread through the saliva of an infected animal through a bite or scratch. It can also be transmitted if infected saliva makes contact with the eyes, mouth, nostrils, or an open wound.

-In Connecticut, the most common species to contract the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and bats. While bobcats can also spread the virus, they rarely get infected, and aren't considered a primary vector species here.

It can also infect unvaccinated cats and dogs.

-Symptoms of the virus include unusual vocalizations, unusual aggression or lack of fear of humans, movements such as circling, staggering (appearing "drunk"), or even partial paralysis.

Also present can be (but not always) the classic "foaming of the mouth" caused as paralysis sets in and the animal can no longer swallow.

What can you do?

-Make sure your pets are vaccinated (as required by law).

-Keep your pets indoors.

- Avoid feeding wild animals, intentionally and unintentionally (think securing garbage cans).

-Report any wild animal that is acting sick to us.

-CT Deep has a Wildlife Division that can handle general questions (860-424-3011).

-CT DEEP has an emergency dispatch number (860-424-3333) if an animal is posing a direct threat. The Police Department can also be contacted in urgent situations.

Please call CT DEEP for coyotes and bobcats that are acting sick, we do not have the means to handle these species.

For more information, visit the Connecticut DEEP’s website here.