Warning Issued After Rabid Raccoon Attacks Dog In Sewickley
SEWICKLEY (KDKA) -- The Allegheny County Health Department has issued a warning for people in Sewickley after a dog was attacked by a rabid raccoon.
It happened earlier in the week on Hill Street.
Officials say the raccoon is no longer alive, while the dog was vaccinated and will recover.
All county residents are urged to avoid contact with wild animals or animals they do not know. Residents should have their pets vaccinated, and watch for unusual behavior.
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"Well-intentioned efforts by individuals sometime can result in unnecessary exposure to pathogens like the rabies virus," said Health Department Director, Dr. Karen Hacker. "We strongly advise Sewickley residents to stay away from wild or stray animals, especially in the area where the rabid raccoon was found, and if animals appear to be acting strange or become threatening, call your local animal control service, the police or the Pennsylvania Game Commission."
Any individual who is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to saliva from a stray or any other animal, should immediately cleanse the contact area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment and call the Allegheny County Health Department.
