Officials warn of rabid raccoon in Dartmouth area

DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) — Officials are warning the public to keep an eye out for rabid animals after a raccoon infected with the virus was spotted near the town line of Dartmouth and Westport.

The Dartmouth Board of Health is asking the public to watch for oddly behaving wildlife and to refrain from interacting with wild animals.

The department added that if anyone or their pet has come into contact with wildlife, they should call the Board of Health or Animal Control as soon as possible.

After-hours emergencies can be directed to the Dartmouth Police Department.

Officials said over 5,000 animals have tested positive for rabies in Massachusetts since 1992, and while contracting the disease is almost always fatal, it is easily preventable.

The health board offered the following tips to safeguard from the deadly virus:

• Contact your physician immediately if you have been in contact with wildlife
• Notify animal control of wildlife that exhibits strange behavior
• Keep vaccinations up to date for cats and dogs
• Assure children and adults do not approach wildlife
• Do not handle any wildlife including babies or young
• Do not feed pets outside to avoid attracting wildlife
• Keep pets leashed or within a fenced yard