Message from the Marion Board of Health: Rabies Positive Raccoon and Rabies Advisory

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) notified the Town of Marion Board of Health and Animal Control that a raccoon found in the area of Point Road near the water tower has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon had been acting oddly and was sent to the state for testing.

We ask the public to keep a lookout for wildlife that show signs of rabies (see below) and to refrain from interacting with wild animals. Please be vigilant if you are out walking in that area. If you or your pet encounter an animal that may be infected with rabies, do not approach the animal. Keep a safe distance and call Animal Control as soon as possible at 508-748-1212 or call 911.

Signs of rabies in animals can include:

Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease caused by a virus. The virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals and can be spread to people and other animals through a bite, or when saliva is introduced into an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth.

Because rabies can be rapidly fatal for both humans and animals, it is crucial to get treatment right away. If you have contact with an animal that may be rabid- through a bite, scratch, or other physical contact- thoroughly wash the area, seek immediate medical attention, and contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at the 24-hour phone number 617-983-6800.

In Massachusetts, animals that are most likely to be found infected with rabies are raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes and woodchucks (groundhogs). Cats are the domestic animal most frequently found to be rabid due to lower vaccination rates as compared to dogs.

Some of the ways that you can help protect yourself, your loved ones and your pets include:

Be sure your pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date.

· Keep your chimney capped and repair holes in attics, cellars, and porches to help keep wild animals like bats and raccoons out of your home. Visit www.mass.gov/rabies and www.cdc.gov/rabies for more information about rabies.

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