On June 10, a raccoon was captured in Mattapoisett and was submitted for routine testing to the Department of Agriculture. That same department notified the town Natural Resources Department and Health Department on June 23 that the raccoon tested positive for rabies.
The raccoon had been captured near the wooded areas of the intersection of Holly Lane and Channing Road, just east of Town Beach. The USDA highlighted that there are no known exposures between infected animals and domestic animals or humans, nor any other positive tests in the area, calling it an “isolated incident.” The Town of Mattapoisett also stresses “there is no ongoing public health risk.”
In order to maintain safety, it is recommended to vaccinate domestic animals, including outdoor cats, as well as avoiding leaving food and water outside the home. If a person or domestic animal is thought to have been exposed, the town requests residents contact the Mattapoisett Natural Resource Officer at 508-209-4931. Rabies can be treated if action is taken quickly.
By Sam Bishop