Title: Boston Offers Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics After Rabid Raccoons Found in the City
Subtitle: City officials urge residents to remain vigilant and keep their pets updated on their rabies vaccinations.
BOSTON — In response to recent reports of rabid raccoons in various neighborhoods, the City of Boston is taking proactive measures to protect its residents and their pets. Five raccoons have tested positive for rabies, sparking concern among officials and prompting the offer of free rabies vaccination clinics next month.
On Friday, the City of Boston Animal Care and Control departments assured the public that there have been no reports of rabies exposures or injuries in humans resulting from interactions with these infected wild animals. However, it is crucial for residents to exercise caution and maintain awareness of the potential dangers associated with rabies exposure.
The infected raccoons were discovered in different city neighborhoods, including Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, and Roslindale. The most recent case of a rabid raccoon was found near Hillside Avenue in Mission Hill on Monday.
City officials have issued a statement urging the public to remain vigilant around wild animals and emphasized the importance of adequately protecting pets from potential rabies exposure. Prompt medical attention is critical in treating the disease after exposure. An exposure is defined as any interaction in which saliva or nervous tissue from a potentially rabid animal enters a fresh wound, break in the skin, or contact with a mucous membrane in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
To help keep both residents and their pets safe, the Animal Control officials have provided several tips, including avoiding and reporting wildlife that appears sick or injured, keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations, supervising pets when outdoors, and seeking medical care immediately after sustaining a bite or scratch from an animal.
In light of the recent developments, Boston Animal Care and Control will be hosting two free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs and cats in September. The clinics will be held at BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center on September 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at BCYF Tobin Community Center on September 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This opportunity will ensure that pets are adequately protected against the virus.
Residents who have had recent exposure to a rabid or possibly rabid animal are urged to contact their healthcare provider or the Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5611. Similarly, if pets have been bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, owners are advised to contact their veterinarian or local animal control department.
Individuals can report any concerns regarding sick, injured, or strangely behaving wild animals by calling 617-635-5348. For more information about rabies, residents are encouraged to visit BPHC’s website at www.boston.gov/rabies.
The City of Boston will continue to monitor the situation closely, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay informed with breaking news alerts by downloading the FREE Boston 25 News app. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.