A dead raccoon tested positive for rabies after it “engaged” two dogs in a field off Nobleboro Road in Bremen on Saturday, June 24, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office is warning Lincoln County residents to keep an eye out for aggressive wildlife, or wildlife behaving in an unusual manner, after the incident.
The sheriff’s office learned of the positive test for rabies Monday, June 26, when a county animal control officer received a report from the Maine Center for Disease Control in Augusta. A Maine game warden had transported the raccoon to Augusta over the weekend.
Both dogs received immediate care from a veterinarian and are being watched by their owner for 45 days as required by law. Because both dogs were current on their vaccinations and they received immediate care, the likelihood that further care will be needed is low. Proof of vaccination prior to this incident allowed both dogs to avoid a mandatory six-month quarantine.
The sheriff’s office asks all Lincoln County residents to check their pets’ vaccination records and be sure to seek immediate care in the event their pet encounters any animal acting strangely or unusually aggressive or passive.
