Presumptive case of raccoon rabies detected near St. Stephen

Presumptive case of raccoon rabies detected near St. Stephen

A presumptive case of raccoon rabies has been detected by the New Brunswick Provincial Veterinary Laboratory in Little Ridge near St. Stephen, according to the Municipal District of St. Stephen. 

“To protect the community and local wildlife, the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries staff will be distributing vaccine baits around the area,” the alert said.  Those baits were distributed on April 21 and concentrated along Routes 725, 730 and 735.

“The department advises pet owners to keep dogs on leashes for the next two weeks following the bait distribution,” the alert said. “While the baits are not harmful to pets if consumed, residents should avoid handling them.”

If contact occurs, it asks residents to wash their hands with soap and water. Any abnormal behaviour observed in wildlife should be reported to Telecare 811. 

The Courier has contacted AAF for comment and is awaiting a response.

Author

  • Nathalie Sturgeon, Local Journalism Initiative, The Courier.

    The Local Journalism Initiative, funded by the Government of Canada, aims to provide journalism to underserved communities. She joined the team in August 2024 and was formerly a digital broadcast journalist with Global News in New Brunswick. She has past experience as the editor of the Kings County Record in Sussex, N.B.

    She is from White Rapids, New Brunswick, just outside of Miramichi. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in journalism from St. Thomas University in Fredericton.

    Nathalie is a strong supporter of local and community news -- and hopes to tell the most important stories for the people of Charlotte County and beyond.

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