Officials say fourth raccoon tests positive for rabies
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia Health Department says another raccoon has tested positive for rabies after getting into a fight with a family's dog.
WDTV-TV reports a statement from the Monongalia County Health Department says it is the fourth reported encounter between dogs and rabid raccoons in the county this year.
Health officials said the dog was up to date on its shots and was revaccinated. The people the dog came into contact with after the incident have begun rabies shots.
Health Department Director Lee B. Smith encouraged residents to get pets vaccinated and keep them on leashes.
He says wildlife including skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats are known to carry the rabies virus.
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Information from: WDTV-TV, http://www.wdtv.com