KEYSER — A raccoon which had been sighted in the Willow Avenue area of Keyser several times in recent days tested positive for rabies, according to the Mineral County Health Department.
This is the second positive rabies case in Mineral County for the year.
John DelSignore of the health department, who also happens to live in the area, said the raccoon had been “acting funny” when spotted by several people in the neighborhood.
On Monday, March 1, a family who lives up on the hill above Willow Avenue had once again seen the raccoon. When their dog tried to chase it, it ran into the animal.
“They didn’t get into a fight, but there was contact,” DelSignore said. “The ’coon
went up a tree and into a hole.”
The animal stayed in the hole overnight, while neighbors kept checking on it. On Tuesday, they were able to shoot the animal and send it away for testing.
“We got the results on Friday,” he said.
DelSignore said to the best of his knowledge the raccoon had no contact with humans. The dog, although up-to-date with its vaccinations, had to be confined for 45 days in accordance with the law.
DelSignore said, however, he is concerned about the number of cats that live in the area, and warns anyone living in the neighborhood to exercise caution and report any animals acting strangely.
Pet owners should also be sure to have their cats and dogs vaccinated for rabies on a regular basis.
Mineral County Humane Officer Melissa Kidwell said the first positive rabies case in Mineral County this year was also a raccoon, and occurred in January.
“It was in the Fort Ashby area, and it had contact with pets,” she said.
The pets in question were also up-to-date with their vaccinations, but had to be confined for 45 days nevertheless.
“They do that just in case they haven't built up an immunity yet,” she explained.
For further information, call the health department at 304-788-1321 or Mineral County Animal Control at 304-788-5720.
Keyser, W.Va. —
