Raccoon in Buttonwood Area Tests Positive for Rabies

NEW BEDFORD – State health officials have notified the City Health Department and Animal Control that a raccoon found in the Buttonwood Park area has tested positive for rabies.

The Health Department and Animal Control encourage all residents, particularly those who keep pets outside, to ensure their pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Rabies can be found in several different animals that are present in New Bedford. Signs of rabies in animals can include

  • Abnormal or aggressive behavior
  • Lethargy, weakness or paralysis
  • Self-mutilation
  • Seizures
  • Excessive salivation
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you encounter an animal that may be infected with rabies, do not approach the animal. Keep a safe distance and call New Bedford Animal Control at 508-991-6366.

Rabies is transmitted through saliva, usually through a bite. It can be fatal for both humans and animals, so it is crucial to get treatment right away. If you had contact with an animal that may be rabid – through a bite, scratch, or other physical contact – thoroughly wash the area, seek medical attention, and contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at the 24-hour phone number: 617-983-6800.

You can protect your pets by:

  • Vaccination: Rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, and ferrets is required under Massachusetts law. Contact your veterinarian or a rabies clinic to ensure vaccinations are up to date.
  • Keep Pets Close: Always watch pets when they are outdoors and keep them away from wildlife. Use a leash, keep pets in fenced areas, and never let them roam free.
  • Spay and Neuter: The CDC suggests spaying and neutering pets to reduce the potential for unwanted animals without vaccinations.
  • Keep Wildlife Wild: Never keep a wild animal as a pet, which is illegal in Massachusetts.
  • Secure Property: Bring all outdoor water or food bowls inside, cover garbage, and repair holes in chimneys, cellars, porches, and other areas, in order to keep wildlife away from your property and out of your home.

New Bedford Animal Control will hold its annual Rabies Clinic on Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Brooklawn Park. Vaccinations will be available for cats, dogs, and ferrets. The cost is $15 per animal.