A baby raccoon dropped off at the Humane Animal Rescue Wildlife Center in Penn Hills last week has tested positive for rabies, the Allegheny Health Department said Tuesday.
The health department is urging the person who dropped the raccoon off to call the department at 412-687-2243 as soon as possible to provide additional information.
This is the 14th rabid animal reported in Allegheny County this year including 11 raccoons, two bats and one cat.
The health department is reminding residents to always avoid wild and stray animals and to make sure their pets are up-to-date with vaccinations.
If an animal is acting strange or threatening residents should contact their local animal control service, the police or the Pennsylvania game Commission immediately.
Rabies is transmitted by an animal bite or scratch. Exposures are almost always fatal when left untreated.
Anyone who has been bitten, scratched or exposed to saliva from a stray or any other animal should immediately clean the area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment and call the health department.
