3rd rabid raccoon found in a month in Mahoning County

Staff report

STRUTHERS

Health officials have confirmed the third case of a rabid raccoon in Mahoning County in the past month.

A raccoon found near Omar Street here tested positive for rabies.

The Saturday announcement comes two days after the county board of health said a rabid raccoon was found in the vicinity of Cherry Hill Place in Boardman last weekend.

Also, the first confirmed case of a rabid raccoon near Colonial Drive in Canfield Township was announced a month ago.

In 2012, there were only two rabid raccoons found in Ohio — one in Mahoning County and the other in Trumbull County.

The board of health is urging people to protect themselves from the threat of rabies by:

• Not feeding or touching wild animals, and to be cautious around stray cats and dogs.

• Having your pet cats, dogs and ferrets vaccinated for rabies.

• Keeping trash can lids secure.

• Feeding pets indoors.

• Reporting any animal bites to the health department or your doctor.

“Do not touch, handle or play with wildlife,” said Patt Sweeney, county health commissioner. “Although they may appear to be cute, friendly animals, wildlife should be considered dangerous.”

Sweeney said Thursday that there is no cause for alarm.