The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control said a raccoon in Westlake Village tested positive for rabies; it is the first confirmed rabies case in Los Angeles County since 1973.

DACC Director Marcia Mayeda said, "With rabies being 100% fatal in animals and humans once symptoms appear, prevention through vaccination is essential."

The department said the raccoon likely contracted the virus from a bat; DACC said the detection highlights how wildlife can reintroduce the virus to domestic animals.

Pet owners should vaccinate their animals; DACC said rabies vaccines are the most effective and reliable defense against infection.

Vet@ThePark clinics offer free vaccinations; the department said its calendar lists upcoming events at https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/calendar/ and vaccine locations and scheduling at https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/vaccinations/.

DACC advised practical steps to reduce wildlife contact: store garbage securely, avoid leaving pet food outdoors, remove fallen fruit and keep yards clean; report any wild animal acting strangely to DACC or your local animal control agency.

Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor said, "Pets are family members, and vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect them from preventable diseases."

The Vet@ThePark program provides free vaccinations, microchips and wellness exams throughout the year, the department said; appointments and locations are on the department's calendar at https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/calendar/.','DACC operates seven animal care centers and provides services to more than three million residents, the department said; learn more at https://animalcare.lacounty.gov and support the department through the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at https://lacountyanimals.org/.

Local

Hilda L. Solis

Supervisor, First District, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors · Democrat

Named once in this story.

Everything the Journal has reported on HildaOfficial site

Portrait: Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Sources & methodology

This report was written from the primary materials below. Links open at the original publisher.

County of Los Angeles

See something we should correct? Read our corrections policy.