Posted on September 13, 19104 at 20:01:53:
Takoma Park Police have learned that a raccoon, which an officer was compelled to destroy on Sat., Sept. 11, tested positive for rabies. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children while outdoors and pet owners should ensure that family pets are current with appropriate shots.
The Takoma Park Police were called to the unit block of Philadelphia Avenue at about 3:15 p..m., Saturday, for the report of a child, which had been bitten by a raccoon. The animal was not located in this incident, however, the child was treated at a local hospital for the raccoon bite.
Approximately two hours later, the police, responding to the 7400 block of Cedar Avenue for the report of a raccoon fighting with a dog, were able to locate a raccoon. Suspecting that the animal was rabid, the raccoon was destroyed by an officer and subsequently turned over to Animal Control for testing.
Testing has confirmed that the raccoon involved in the incident on Cedar Avenue had rabies.
For more information about rabies, consult http://edcp.org/factsheets/rab_fsht.html. For information about rabies vaccines and free clinics, contact the Humane Society at 240-773-5960 or www.mchumane.org