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Rabid Woodchuck Identified in East Lyme
May 11, 2009
A WOODCHUCK FROM THE AREA OF BEACH AVE IN WATERFORD WAS TESTED AND FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR RABIES ON MAY 11, 2009. THE PUBLIC SHOULD REFRAIN FROM FEEDING OR APPROACHING ANY WILD OR STRAY ANIMALS.
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.)
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Brian Sauvageau, Senior Sanitarian, or the East Lyme Animal Control Officer at 442-9451. For more information about Rabies, please visit the Rabies page in our Healthy Environments Section.
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