Rabid raccoon found in Westlake Village, first in L.A. County since 1973
A family's vaccinated dog is under quarantine, and four workers are receiving rabies shots after possible exposure to the raccoon.
By Hans Laetz
A raccoon with rabies has been found in the backyard of a house in Westlake Village, just over the hill. This is the first confirmed rabid raccoon in Los Angeles County since 1973.
Last week a family's pet dog did get close to the rabid raccoon, but the L.A. County Department of Public Health says this particular dog had been kept up to date on its rabies vaccinations.
As a precaution the dog is under quarantine and is doing well at a vet.
It's typical for rabid wild animals to act in a docile manner and not attack people who approach them, and that appears to be what happened with this rabid raccoon in Westlake Village.
Four people at a nearby worksite may have been exposed to the raccoon, and they're receiving recommended follow-up rabies shots.
There are many different varieties of rabies, called strains, and various wild animals carry various strains. Scientists believe that this raccoon likely picked up rabies from rabid bats.
Their warning cannot be said strongly enough: stay away from wild animals, even if they appear docile.
Keep your dogs away from wild mammals, including rabbits. This is not a good time to let your dog run around loose in the mountains.
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