Raccoon In RI Tests Positive For Rabies

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — A raccoon in Rhode Island tested positive for rabies, according to the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

State officials said the raccoon was found Friday at Bold Point Park in East Providence. The Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island picked up the sick animal and humanely euthanized it, before taking it to a state lab for rabies testing.

"DEM stresses that wildlife is beautiful but should always be enjoyed from afar," said RI State Veterinarian Dr. Scott Marshall. "Never approach wild animals and certainly never touch them. This is especially important at this time of the year when many species are having babies.

"Baby animals are adorable and people are naturally attracted to them, but handling mammals, whether babies or not, is always a potential rabies exposure," Marshall continued. "Once people handle these animals, public health officials are compelled to test the animal for rabies, which requires that the animal be humanely euthanized because testing requires brain tissue."

DEM gave the following tips to prevent rabies exposure:

• Make sure all dogs, cats, and ferrets have updated rabies vaccinations
• Avoid all contact with and do not feed stray animals
• Avoid all contact with and do not feed wild animals
• Protect your pets by maintaining control
• Report all animal bites to your city/town’s animal control officer
• Securely cover all garbage cans so wild animals can’t access them
• Bat-proof your home.

If you or your pet has direct contact with a raccoon, should call the Rhode Island Department of Health's Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 401-222-2577.