Rabid raccoon captured in Copperas Cove

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press 

A raccoon that was captured on Saturday In the 1600 block of Connie Avenue in Copperas Cove was found to be infected with rabies. 

Animal Control was dispatched when it was reported that a raccoon was lying under a shrub behaving strangely. After capture, the raccoon was impounded and sent to the Texas Department of Health Laboratory in Austin for testing. 

On Tuesday, Copperas Cove Animal Control was notified by the Texas Department of Health that the Raccoon was rabid.

“Any citizen who believes they, their pet, or has knowledge of a person or animal having any contact with a Raccoon, or other wild animal in this area should immediately contact Copperas Cove Animal Control at (254) 547-5584 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” Sgt. Martin Ruiz with the Copperas Cove Police Department announced in a press release. “Afterhours calls should be made to the Copperas Cove Police Department at (254) 547-8222. Also contact your physician and/or veterinarian in the case of a possible animal exposure.”

Rabies infection is most common in bats, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

According to the press release, signs of rabies infection in a human may include, but are not limited to fever, headaches, fatigue, respiration difficulties, possible paralysis or hyperactivity, or coma.

Signs of rabies infection in pets may include fever, chewing at site of infection or bite, erratic behavior, walking aimlessly, general restlessness, skin irritability, sensitivity to light, aggression in animals not normally aggressive, and generally unnatural behavior for that animal.

“Citizens are warned not to approach, touch or have any contact with wild animals, and to keep their pets from having contact with wild animals. Steps should be taken to safeguard their outside areas by covering garbage cans, not leaving pet food outside, etc.

“Anyone observing a wild animal behaving strangely should contact Animal Control immediately.”