2 Raccoons Test Positive For Rabies In North Kingstown

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Two raccoons have recently tested positive for rabies in North Kingstown, town officials said Thursday.

Town officials said the rabid raccoons were found in the Camp Avenue to Anchor Way and Grist Mill Drive to Fishing Cove areas.

Residents should vaccinate their pets for rabies if they have not already done so, town officials said. Keep an eye on pets when they are outside.

If you see a raccoon acting strangely, report it to North Kingstown Animal Control by calling 401-294-3316, extension 8251. Town officials said it is important to not approach wildlife and instead call the animal control officer to capture the animal.

Rabies is a viral disease acquired from the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. There is no known effective treatment for rabies, and virtually all cases are fatal. Rabies is preventable with proper wound care and a post-exposure vaccine series.

To prevent rabies infection, post-exposure vaccination should be administered to anyone with a known or likely exposure to rabies, including those who received prior pre-exposure prophylaxis.

For more information on rabies and ways to protect yourself and your pets, call the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) at 401-222-2577 or 401-276-8046 after hours with any questions or concerns.

RIDOH and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management made the following recommendations to prevent rabies:

• Make sure all dogs, cats, and ferrets are up-to-date on rabies vaccination.
• Avoid all contact with and do not feed stray or free-roaming domestic animals.
• Avoid all contact with and do not feed wild animals.
• Do not feed your pets outdoors, as this will attract other animals. This is especially dangerous when feeding large numbers of free roaming cats.
• Protect your pets by always maintaining control. Walk dogs on a leash or let them play in a fenced yard, and do not let pets wander unsupervised.
• Report all animal bites to your City/Town's Animal Control Officer.
• Securely cover all garbage cans so wild animals cannot scavenge for food.
• Bat-proof your house.

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