Residents on alert after 2 rabies incidents

Windsor Locks, Conn. (WTNH) - Officials are warning Windsor Locks residents to be careful after two wild raccoons tested positive for rabies.

Two separate raccoons caught on Jan. 17 and Feb. 2 tested positive with the virus.

Rabies is spread through bites, scratches or contact with the saliva of an infected animal.

Animal control officials offered the following tips to keep residents and their pets safe:

• Make sure pets have been vaccinated against rabies and all shots are up to date.
• Avoid contact with wild animals; do not feed or pet stray animals
• Report any animal that is acting oddly to the local animal control officer or police
• Teach children to not feel or pet wild animals
• Do not handle dead, sick, or injured wild animals, call an animal control officer. If you must, then use heavy gloves, sticks or tools to avoid direct contact
• Fed pets indoors and keep them inside at night. Outdoor pets should be leashed or kept inside a fenced-in area
• Keep trash can lids tightly sealed

For questions, contact Animal Control Officer Paluck at 860-627-1461 ext. 148.