WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — A raccoon tested positive for rabies in Windsor Locks after it was found fighting several dogs, the town's police department said Monday.
The Windsor Locks Police Department said they responded to a call regarding a conflict between the dogs and a raccoon. The raccoon was tested and found to have the rabies virus, a preventable but lethal disease that is usually transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.
The police department reminded residents in an alert that rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs and cats. Any owner or keeper of a dog or cat that is aged three months or older must have the animal vaccinated against rabies.
After infecting the central nervous system of mammals, the rabies virus causes disease in the brain and ultimately death. While any mammal can get rabies, it is most often found in animals such as bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons.
Windsor Locks police encourage animal owners to check their pets’ rabies vaccination statuses with their veterinarian to verify that their current rabies vaccination is up to date.
Pet owners are asked not to leave their pets outside unattended, police said. It is also important not to leave pet food outside and to secure garbage can lids.
Knowing the signs of rabies could help save your pet from harm, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs include restlessness, withdrawal, aggression and furiousness. They also include dilatated pupils, seizures, lack of fear, salivating and paralysis. If you encounter an animal displaying any of these symptoms, stay away.
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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