There was an incident of a fight of a dog and a raccoon in Pennsylvania on the Montour trail. The health authorities are of the view that the dog should be checked for rabies as it might be at risk because the raccoon, which is now dead, was found to be positive for rabies.

The raccoon was killed by a state wildlife officer. The authorities are of the view that the dog, a black Labrador retriever, should be checked for the disease as they were not sure whether or not it had vaccination against the disease.

The residents of the area have been told to steer clear from stray animals in the vicinity, as they have a high rate of rabies. Meanwhile, the owners of the dog have been urged to get the dog checked and treated as soon as possible so that the risk could be eliminated.

“Spring is the time when owners can help prevent encounters with increasingly active wildlife and stray animals”, county Health Director Bruce Dixon said.

“Avoid contact with them and call 911 or the local animal control service. Raccoons have the highest incidence of wildlife rabies in the state. It is very important to have your dogs and cats vaccinated for rabies to prevent this disease”, he added further.