NEW BEDFORD, R.I. (WPRI) — Health officials are encouraging New Bedford residents to make sure their pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date after a raccoon found in Buttonwood Park tested positive for the deadly viral disease.

The mayor’s office said state health officials notified the city of the positive rabies result on Thursday.

Manny Maciel is New Bedford’s Director of Animal Control and got a call a few days ago about a raccoon acting strangely.

“We haven’t had any reports of the raccoon biting or coming into contact with anybody, but for our own safety and the safety of the public and the signs the raccoon has shown, we took it upon ourselves to send it to the state lab,” Maciel explained.

Rabies can affect a variety of different animals. Signs of the disease include abnormal aggressive behavior, lethargy, paralysis, self-mutilation, seizures, excessive salivation and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Rabies is transmitted through saliva, normally through a bite, and may be fatal for both people and animals.

“Rabies is the deadliest disease in the world. Once you get rabies there’s no turning back,” Maciel said. “So, that’s why it’s important to have your animals vaccinated you never know what could happen.”

Under Massachusetts law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must have their rabies vaccinations. You can further protect your four-legged loved ones by spaying or neutering them, securing your property and always watching your pets when they are outside.

The city said anyone who sees an animal that may have rabies should keep a safe distance away and call New Bedford Animal Control at (508) 991-6366.

If you have had any contact with an animal that may be rabid, you should thoroughly wash the area, seek immediate medical attention and call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at (617) 983-6800.

The city will be holding its annual rabies clinic on Nov. 2 at Brooklawn Park. Getting your pet vaccinated will cost $15.

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