Raccoon in Sudbury Tested Positive for Rabies
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A raccoon submitted on February 9th 2011 by the Board of Health to the State Laboratory tested positive for rabies. Residents need to be aware that rabies cases may occur in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, woodchucks and foxes. Rabies in Sudbury has generally occurred in cycles every few years, therefore a positive test warrants increased awareness by residents.
If you suspect your pet has had contact with a wild animal do not touch your pet with bare hands as the saliva from a wild animal can transmit the rabies virus. Making sure to protect your skin, bring your pet to your veterinarian. The Board of Health can submit a specimen to the State Laboratory, such as the raccoon tested recently, to test for rabies, if the specimen is available. Please go to sudbury.ma.us/health for a detailed version of this news story as well as supporting documents about rabies.