Authorities Issue Warnings For Mainers To Be On The Lookout After A Handful Of Confirmed Rabies Cases Across State

As temperatures in Maine start to rise, and the critters start to stir, so rises the likelihood that you or your pet might encounter some local wildlife in the area. And for folks in some counties across the state, the Maine CDC says to be on the lookout for unusual behavior from wild animals due to rabies. They also recommend making sure your pets are up to date with their rabies vaccines.

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A handful of confirmed rabies cases have already been reported his year.

The town of Kennebunk too to their Facebook Page to ask residents to be mindful while out and about, after a confirmed case of the disease popped up on Tuesday March 10th.

"Maine's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory confirmed that a raccoon from our town tested positive for rabies. Rabies is common in wild animals in Maine.
Make sure to never touch an animal that is wild or unknown to you. You should also make sure your animals are up to date on rabies vaccine. "

Another case of a rabid raccoon was reported in the Waldo County town of Burnham on Thursday.

Experts say to reach out to local Animal Control officers or the Maine Wardens Service if you come across an animal you suspect might is infected.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services says it's not just raccoons that can spread the disease, but a number of different animals.

"The rabies virus lives in the saliva, brain, and spinal cord (neural tissue) of infected animals. It spreads when a rabid animal bites or scratches a person or animal. It can also spread if a rabid animal's saliva or neural tissue comes in contact with a person or animal's mouth, nose or eyes, or if it enters a cut in the skin...In Maine, the most commonly infected animals are skunks, raccoons, bats, and foxes. Rabies can infect any animal that has hair, but is very rare among small rodents like squirrels, rats, mice, and chipmunks."

They have a bunch of great tips for what to do if you or your pet have been exposed to the virus. You can click here to get that information.

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The Maine CDC put out a video that also breaks down some facts about rabies.

They suggest staying away from any animals that are stray, unfamiliar or injured.

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You can also track where in that state of Maine rabies cases are being reported through this website.