Second Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Westlake Village
Public health officials in Southern California are investigating a second rabies-positive raccoon discovered in the Westlake Village area of Los Angeles County, after officials confirmed the first such case in more than five decades, Outbreak News Today reported. The animal was found in a residential backyard near the location of the initial detection, displaying sick and aggressive behavior.
Strain testing for the second raccoon is currently pending. Public Health officials confirmed that the first animal carried a variant of rabies typically associated with bats. Prior to these recent discoveries, the last confirmed rabid raccoon in Los Angeles County was detected in 1973, when a skunk variant of the virus was still present in the region. A skunk infected with the bat variant was also documented in Long Beach in 2014.
Two worksite employees receive rabies prophylaxis
No residents or household pets suffered exposure to the second rabid raccoon. However, two people at a worksite may have had contact with the animal and are currently receiving post-exposure prophylaxis as a precautionary measure.
Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis urged residents to maintain a wide berth from local wildlife. Officials advise contacting local animal control immediately if anyone encounters an animal exhibiting unusual, sick, or injured behavior. Keeping household pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations is a primary defense for family safety.
Rabies Prevention in Los Angeles County
Are pets or homeowners exposed to rabid raccoons?
Have any pets or homeowners been exposed to these rabid raccoons?
No residents or domestic pets faced exposure during the incident involving the second raccoon in Westlake Village.
What specific strain of rabies was found in the first raccoon?
Testing confirmed that the first raccoon carried a variant of the virus typically found in bats. Strain testing for the second animal remains pending.
When was the last time a rabid raccoon was found in the county?
The last confirmed case of a rabid raccoon in Los Angeles County prior to these recent detections occurred in 1973.
More on Westlake Village
A second rabies-positive raccoon was found in the Westlake Village area, Los Angeles County health officials confirmed on Friday, prompting renewed warnings for residents to avoid contact with the animals. https://t.co/ufTC1kNgv3 pic.twitter.com/vyihjVBdCm
Related reading