Deer Tests Positive For Rabies In Waterford: Animal Control

WATERFORD, CT — A Deer found this week on Gun Shot Road in Waterford was tested and found to be positive for rabies, according to Waterford Animal Control. The test results were discovered on Tuesday.

Officials warn that rabies is a “deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people.”

“It is spread mostly by wild animals, but unvaccinated cats and dogs may also become infected and spread the virus,” officials said. “The rabies virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies can be spread by scratches from infected animals or when infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds, breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.).”

Waterford Animal Control offers the following tips to avoid rabies:

• Refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals
• Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines
• Limit your pets unsupervised time outside

For more information and questions, contact Ledge Light at the Health District at 860-448-4882, or Waterford Animal Control at 860-442-9451.