Vrouw in Milton (VS) stopt gevonden dode hondsdolle wasbeer in haar vriezer

Woman finds dead raccoon, puts it in freezer

15-12-2009 Wendy Victora, North West Florida Daily News, USA


MILTON -- A dead raccoon found in the area of Dodge Street and Delmonte in Milton has tested positive for rabies, according to a press release from the Santa Rosa County Health Department.

A Milton woman had called the department to report that she had found a dead raccoon and placed it in the freezer.

Health department employees retrieved the animal and sent it to the lab for testing.

No humans were exposed to the raccoon, but two dogs may have been. Though the dogs have current rabies vaccinations, they are being quarantined as a precaution.

Rabies, a disease that affects the central nervous system, is carried in the saliva of infected animals, commonly raccoons, and is transmitted by a bite or scratch. The disease can be fatal in humans and animals. Raccoons carrying rabies may not appear to be ill.

To protect yourself against rabies, avoid contact with raccoons, the release said. Make sure garbage is secured and that pet food or feeders aren't available to pets. Vaccinate pets against rabies and if a raccoon bites either you or a pet, seek immediate medical attention.

If you find a dead raccoon on your property, contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at (850) 265-3676.

(Bron: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/)