Dogs lead officials to discover rabid raccoons in Mahoning County
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Health officials say two rabid raccoons have been found in separate parts of Mahoning County.
An Ohio Department of Health Laboratory report has confirmed that the raccoons in Springfield and Green Township tested positive for rabies.
Springfield Township is located between North Lima and the Pennsylvania state line.
Green Township is between Canfield and Salem.
The testing was conducted due to a reported exposure between the raccoons and domestic dogs.
The Mahoning County District Board of Health is reminding residents to protect themselves from the risk of rabies by following these precautions:
- Vaccinate your pets.
- Maintain control of your pets to reduce their contact with wildlife.
- Spay or neuter to decrease the number of stray animals.
- Avoid contact with wildlife and stray animals.
- Wash any animal bite areas thoroughly and follow up with a physician.
- Report any bite incidents to your local health department.
“Pet owners need to remember that in Mahoning County all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies. Rabies vaccinations can be obtained from a local veterinarian. In addition, residents should refrain from feeding or playing with wildlife,” says Ryan Tekac, Director of Environmental Health for the Mahoning County District Board of Health. “Pets should be fed indoors and trash can lids secured to avoid attracting wildlife onto your property.”
Rabies is a deadly virus and a serious public health threat, according to health officials.
Wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats can carry the virus. Rabies is most often transmitted through bites and scratches from unvaccinated pets, strays, and wildlife.
If you find a sick or dead raccoon, skunk, or fox that is not decayed, you are asked to contact your local health department:
If found in the city of Youngstown, please contact the Youngstown City Health District at (330) 743-3333