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Rabid Skunk Identified in Groton
October 18, 2006
A SKUNK FROM THE AREA OF PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD NORTH IN GROTON WAS TESTED AND FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR RABIES ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. 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, please contact Steve Mansfield, Assistant Director, Environmental Health Services or the Groton Animal Control Officer at 441-6709. For more information about Rabies, please visit the Rabies page in our Healthy Environments Section.
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