PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Rick Setty, RS District Board of Health 330-270-2855 ext. 116 rsetty@mahoning-health.org
	DATE: December 10, 2007

RACCOON FOUND IN MAHONING COUNTY POSITIVE FOR RABIES

Laboratory reports have recently confirmed that a raccoon found in Springfield Township was positive for the rabies virus variant common to raccoons in the Eastern United States. The raccoon was retrieved by a farmer operating a corn picker after finding it in a field off of Beard Road.

Officials from the local USDA 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 for variant typing, which confirmed the preliminary finding.

Although there were no known exposures to animals or humans in this case, the District Board of Health is reminding residents to protect themselves from the ever-present threat of rabies by following these precautions:

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

· Teach children to leave wildlife alone, and be sure that your child knows to tell you if an animal bites or scratches them.

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

· Keep your trash can lids secure. Open containers can attract wildlife.

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

· Report any bite incidents to your local health department and call your doctor for medical advice.