Windsor Locks Animal Control Warns of Raccoons Infected With Rabies

The  Windsor Locks Animal Control Office is advising residents to be aware of animals possibly having the rabies virus.

On January 17 and February 4, there were incidents with two raccoons, who were found to be infected with rabies when they were tested, officials said in a press release.

Rabies is most common in wild undomesticated animals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, woodchucks and feral cats. Infected animals can spread the virus through bites, scratches or contact with the saliva from an infected animal.

The animal control office is reminding residents themselves and their pets with the following steps:

Make sure your pets have been vaccinated against rabies and that all of their shots are up to date. Pets can be a bridge between the animal population and rabies in humans, so it is important to have all pets vaccinated to protect your family from this deadly disease.

You should avoid contact with wild animals. Do not feed or pet stray animals. Avoid any animal ( wild, farm or pet ) that you do not know. Residents should report any animal that is acting oddly to the local animal control officer or the police.

Teach children not to feed or pet wild animals or any animals that they do not know.

Do not handle dead, sick or injured wild animals yourself; call the police or an animal control officer. If you must handle an animal, use heavy gloves, sticks or other tools to avoid direct contact.

Feed pets indoors and keep them indoors at night. If pets are kept outside during the day make sure that they are leashed or kept inside a fenced in area, so that they cannot roam. Pets allowed to roam are more likely to contract rabies and possibly expose people and other pets to the virus.

Trash cans and lids should be secured tightly. Garbage cans can attract wild animals looking for a meal.

Any questions can be directed to Animal Control Officer Scott Paluck at 860-627-1461 ext 148.