OLD LYME — Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) has announced that a raccoon from the Long Acre Lane area of Old Lyme was tested this past Tuesday (Aug. 27) and found to be positive for rabies
Ledge Light stresses that the public should refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals. Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people. It is spread mostly by wild animals, but stray cats and dogs may also become infected and spread the virus.
The rabies virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies can be spread by scratches from infected animals or when infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds, breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.)
If you have any questions or concerns, contact LLHD at 860-448-4882, ext. 1307 or the Old Lyme Animal Control Officer at 860-437-3047.