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Rabid Raccoon Identified in the City of Groton
January 13, 2009
A RACCOON FROM SMITH STREET WAS TESTED AND FOUND TO BE POSITIVE
FOR RABIES ON JANUARY 13, 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 Groton Animal Control Officer at 445-9721. For more information
about Rabies, please visit the Rabies page in our
Healthy Environments
Section.
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