Rabid raccoon found in Shady Spring

By Bev Davis
Register-Herald senior editor

September 10, 2007 09:18 pm

— On Friday, a raccoon found in the Shady Spring District of Raleigh County tested positive for rabies, according to Brian Bell, regional epidemiologist with the Beckley-Raleigh County Health Department.
This is the second rabid raccoon found in Raleigh County this year.
“It’s the first that came through the health department; the other was handled through the USDA,” Bell said.
As a preventive measure each year, the health department conducts aerial drops of rabies vaccine encapsulated in fish-flavored bait to which raccoons are attracted.
“We just finished the aerial drops this year. Now, we’re doing roadside drops throughout the City of Beckley,” Bell said.
However, vaccinating the raccoons is a hit-and-miss effort. The best way the public can protect itself against rabies is to have all pets vaccinated.
“Vaccinate. Vaccinate. Vaccinate. That’s the message we want to get out,” Bell said. “That one single effort can drastically reduce the spread of rabies. Responsible pet ownership is a problem in West Virginia as a whole. I can’t stress strongly enough how important it is to have family pets vaccinated against rabies.”
Rabies vaccinations are also required by law for dogs and cats.
Bell encourages parents to teach children not to pet or play with any stray or wild animal.
“If a bite exposure occurs, it’s important to immediately clean the area with soap and water. It is also recommended that parents seek medical attention, especially if an animal bite broke the skin,” Bell said.
Treatment for an animal bite may include antibiotics and/or a tetanus booster.
Rabies post-exposure treatment may be started based upon the severity and location of the bite and the rabies status of the animal after laboratory testing.
“It is vitally important that you or your physician report an animal bite to your local health department,” Bell said.
Symptoms of rabies in animals include increased drooling or excessive saliva, aggressive behavior, difficulty swallowing, difficulty walking, paralysis, and the animal may appear to be disoriented.
“If you see a nocturnal animal, such as a raccoon, out in the daytime, that could be a sign the animal has rabies,” Bell said. “If a domestic animal shows any of these signs — especially if a normally docile animal suddenly becomes aggressive, contact your vet and notify local authorities.”
If you see an animal you think might be rabid, call your local health department. Reports to the Raleigh County Health Department may be made to 252-8531.
— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com