State Reminds Rhode Island Residents About Rabies Prevention Methods

More rabid animals have already turned up in Rhode Island this year than the annual average, including 14 raccoons, according to two state agencies.

"In response to the increased number of rabid animals identified in Rhode Island this spring and summer, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are reminding all Rhode Islanders to take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from rabies," the two agencies said in a media release.

The yearly average of 24 rabid animals between 2021 and 2025 has already been eclipsed in 2026. In addition to the 14 raccoons, the rabid animals identified were seven bats, a cat, a coyote, a skunk and a woodchuck.

"Rabies is a viral disease that affects all mammals, including people, and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop," the release said. "However, it is preventable if medical care is received promptly after an exposure. The virus is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also spread when saliva from a rabid animal enters the body through a scratch or an open wound."

The department of health recommended the following rabies prevention methods:

• Avoid all contact with and do not feed stray or free-roaming domestic animals.
• Avoid all contact with and do not feed wild animals.
• Do not feed your animals outdoors, as this will attract other animals. This is especially dangerous when feeding large numbers of free-roaming cats.
• Protect your pets by always maintaining control. Walk dogs on a leash or let them play in a fenced yard. Do not let pets wander unsupervised.
• Securely cover all garbage cans so wild animals cannot scavenge for food.

See also:

• Rhode Island Lawmakers, Officials Celebrate Success of 'Eat Well, Be Well'
• Rhode Island Jobs Up, Unemployment Down
• North Smithfield Man Charged With Throwing Articles At Moving Vehicle: Cops
• NY Man Wanted On Texas Larceny Charge Nabbed In Rhode Island: Cops