Rabid Raccoon Captured in Mount Pleasant Section of Providence
GoLocalProv News Team
Rabid Raccoon Captured in Mount Pleasant Section of Providence
A domestic cat that was found in the area was attacked by the raccoon, injured, and euthanized as a result of the injuries.
The public is asked to report any personal contact with raccoons in this area as well as any potential contact a pet may have had with a raccoon.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST- If you had contact with a raccoon, call the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) at 401.222.2577, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; or 401-272-5952 during the weekend or after hours.
- If your pet had contact with a raccoon, call Providence Animal Control at 401.243.6040, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; or the Providence Police Department at 401.272.3121 after hours.
Rabies
The public is reminded that rabies remains prevalent throughout the state, having been found in all Rhode Island communities except New Shoreham. The most frequently affected wildlife include skunks, raccoons, foxes, woodchucks, and bats, however, any mammal is susceptible to rabies.
In Rhode Island, the virus has also been found in domestic cats, horses, and fisher cats.
Residents should continue to guard against exposure to rabies by vaccinating pets and not allowing them to wander unsupervised, avoiding contact with wildlife, avoiding contact with and not feeding stray or free-roaming domestic animals, securing garbage, bat-proofing their homes, and not leaving pet food outside.
According to Rhode Island law, pet dogs, cats and ferrets must have up-to-date vaccinations against rabies. Only a licensed veterinarian can administer the vaccine.