Rabid Raccoon Found In South Kingstown

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — A rabid raccoon was discovered in South Kingstown on Friday, according to police.

Police said the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) were called for a report of a sick raccoon on Indigo Point Road. The raccoon has since tested positive for rabies. Several people, as well as a dog, were exposed to the rabid raccoon, police said.

If you or someone you know had contact with wildlife on Indigo Point Road around this time, immediately call the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) at 401-222-2577.

Anyone who suspects their pet may have been exposed is urged to call South Kingstown Animal Control Officer at 401-783-3321, extension 103. Report any wildlife behaving strangely to DEM at 401-222-3070.

Rabies is a viral disease acquired from the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. There is no known effective treatment for rabies, and virtually all cases are fatal. Rabies is preventable with proper wound care and a post-exposure vaccine series.

To prevent rabies infection, post-exposure vaccination should be administered to anyone with a known or likely exposure to rabies, including those who received prior pre-exposure prophylaxis.

RIDOH and DEM officials made the following recommendations to prevent rabies:

• Make sure all dogs, cats, and ferrets are up-to-date on rabies vaccination.
• Avoid all contact with and do not feed stray or free-roaming domestic animals.
• Avoid all contact with and do not feed wild animals.
• Do not feed your pets outdoors, as this will attract other animals. This is especially dangerous when feeding large numbers of free roaming cats.
• Protect your pets by always maintaining control. Walk dogs on a leash or let them play in a fenced yard, and do not let pets wander unsupervised.
• Report all animal bites to your City/Town's Animal Control Officer.
• Securely cover all garbage cans so wild animals cannot scavenge for food.
• Bat-proof your house.

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