NEW LONDON — Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) has announced that a raccoon in the Town of Gales Ferry was tested and found to be positive for rabies on Aug. 3.
On account of that finding, LLHD says, “The public should refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals” in the towns covered by their Health District. These include both Lyme and Old Lyme.
In a press release issued Aug. 10, LLHD states, “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 or Ledyard Animal Control at 860-464-9621.