Raccoon that bit dog tests positive for rabies
By Ken Powers Contributing Writer

Northborough - The raccoon that bit a dog on the mouth during a fight in town July 31 has tested positive for rabies, Northborough Heath Agent Jamie Terry has confirmed.

"The raccoon was caught, euthanized and brought to Tufts Medical Center for testing, the results of which came back positive for rabies," Terry said. "As a result, Northborough Animal Control Officer Ken Hunt has quarantined the dog for 45 days. In addition we've instructed the family of the dog to seek medical care."

The fight occurred in the yard of 31 Spruce St., and was witnessed by the dog's owner, who lives in Attleborough. The dog and the owner were visiting family members who live in Northborough.

According to Terry, the owner heard the animals fighting and went outside to break up the fight, getting between the two animals and coming in direct contact with the raccoon. While the dog's owner was chasing the racoon away from the house, the dog, a pug, ran into the house and came in contact with other members of the family, including a 7-yearold child.

Terry said the dog's owner is currently undergoing postexposure prophylaxis, which includes the administering of a series of shots.

To reduce the risk of rabies exposure and the spread of rabies, Terry has provided a list of recommendations to town residents. They include:

Keeping vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats and ferrets;

Keeping pets under direct supervision so they don't come in contact with wild animals;

Feeding pets inside and keeping them indoors at night;

Calling the police for assistance in removing stray animals from yards and neighborhoods;

Not trying to nurse sick animals back to health - call the police;

Not handling, feeding or otherwise attracting wild animals, and keeping garbage containers tightly sealed;

Preventing bats from entering living quarters by capping the dwelling's chimney with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches to keep wild and often rabid animals like bats and raccoons from finding a way into the home.

Terry said if a resident is exposed to a potentially rabid animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and get medical attention immediately.