Rabid Raccoon Found in Arlington

A raccoon that came in contact with a dog on Westminster Avenue in Arlington on Wednesday, Jan. 8, and subsequently died has tested positive for rabies, according to a Monday release from the town’s Department of Health and Human Services.

The raccoon was tested at the William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institute in Jamaica Plain. The dog, which was up to date with its rabies vaccine, received a rabies vaccine booster shot and is in good health, according to the town.

The dog is now under a state required 45-day strict confinement quarantine.

The Arlington Police Department and the Department of Health and Human Services urge all residents to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of rabies:

• Vaccinate your pets. State law mandates all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. If your pet was previously vaccinated, check with your veterinarian to be sure the vaccination is current.
• Keep your garbage and compost covered at all times. Open garbage and fresh compost will attract wild animals.
• Do not feed or approach any wild animals. Monitor your pets at all times that they are outdoors.
• Immediately report to the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212: Any animal that displays the possible signs of rabies; human or pet interactions with wild mammals; and a scratch or bite from a wild or domestic animal.

For more information about rabies in Massachusetts visit: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/agr/animal-health/rabies-control-program/, http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/ or call the the town’s animal control officer at 781-316-3950.