Laboratory reports from the USDA Wildlife Services and the Centers for Disease Control confirmed a second raccoon found in Boardman Township was positive for the rabies virus variant common to raccoons in the Eastern United States.
The raccoon was found in southwest Boardman Township in the vicinity of where another raccoon tested positive in August.
Although there were no known exposures to animals or humans in this case, Mahoning County Public Health is reminding residents to protect themselves from the ever-present threat of rabies by following these precautions:
• vaccinate your pets;
• maintain control of your pets to reduce their exposure to wildlife;
• spay or neuter to decrease the number of stray animals;
• avoid contact with wildlife and stray animals;
• wash any animal bite areas thoroughly and follow up with a physician;
• report any bite incidents to your local health department.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease and all mammals, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats, are believed to be susceptible to the disease. “Rabies is a preventable disease for both humans and pets,“ said Ryan Tekac, director of Environmental Health for Mahoning County Public Health.
“Residents should avoid attracting wildlife onto their property by eliminating potential food sources such as leftover pet food or by obtaining trash cans with lids that are secure. Vaccinating your pets is also important and can be performed at your veterinarian office or during one of the Mahoning County Public Health Low Cost Rabies Clinic.”
Nov. 3: Rabies Vaccination Clinic scheduled at Angels for Animals
The next Mahoning County Public Health Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held from noon-3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3 at Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield, Ohio 44406. The cost is $8 per shot. More information on rabies and the clinic can be found at www.mahoninghealth.org….
Additional resources
• Ohio Department of Health www.odh.ohio.gov… and search for “Oral Rabies Vaccination Campaign”
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov…
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