RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) – Authorities in Rutland say a raccoon recently tested positive for rabies in the city.
The animal was found in the area of Phillips Street, according to state officials. There have been two other cases of rabies in the area this year.
Vermont rabies data shows around half of all positive rabies cases found since 2005 were from raccoons.
Rutland doesn’t currently have an animal control officer after the previous one retired. Mayor Mike Doenges says the city is getting by with coverage from game wardens. “Hasn’t been a problem. Since the initial incident, things have seemed to calm down in that respect — which is great — but the hope is that the problem goes away,” he said. “A new person to fill the position — so that’ll happen in due time. It’s a pretty specific role and you have to find somebody who wants to do that work.”
Officials say to keep an eye on pets and secure food and trash to help prevent any possible rabies exposure.