Officials: Dead raccoon had rabies

The board of health offers precautions to residents to protect themselves from rabies.

AUSTINTOWN — A dead rabid raccoon has been found in Springfield Township.

A farmer operating a corn picker found the carcass about 10 days ago in a field off Beard Road, between Unity and Springfield roads, county health officials said Tuesday.

The raccoon is the first confirmed rabid animal in Mahoning County in several years, said Matthew Stefanak of the Mahoning County District Board of Health.

Laboratory reports have confirmed that the raccoon had the strain of rabies common to raccoons in the eastern United States, said Rick Setty, director of environmental health for the county health board.

Officials from the local U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services office ran a preliminary test on the raccoon that indicated it was positive for rabies. The specimen was subsequently sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for strain typing, which confirmed the preliminary finding, Setty said.

Although there were no known exposures to animals or humans in this case, the board of health offered tips for residents to protect themselves from the threat of rabies. They are:

UDo not feed, touch or adopt wild animals, and be cautious around stray cats and dogs.

UTeach children to leave wildlife alone, and be sure that your children know to tell you if an animal bites or scratches them.

UHave your pet cats, dogs and ferrets vaccinated for rabies and keep their vaccinations current.

UKeep your trash can lids secure. Open containers can attract wildlife.

UFeed your pets indoors. Never leave food outdoors that can attract wildlife.

UReport any bite incidents to your local health department, and call your doctor for medical advice.

alcorn@vindy.com