Second Rabid Raccoon Found in Los Angeles County Weeks After First Case

Los Angeles County is again confronting a rabies scare after a second rabid raccoon was discovered in a Westlake Village backyard. This latest finding comes less than three weeks after the county confirmed its first rabid raccoon in over 50 years.

The initial infected animal was found earlier this month in a backyard in the same area. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, that raccoon appeared unwell but did not exhibit aggressive behavior.

The second raccoon, found on Thursday, displayed signs of sickness and aggression. While no residents or pets were directly exposed to this animal, two people at a nearby worksite may have had contact and are undergoing rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of preventative vaccines.

County public health officials have canvassed the neighborhood to inform residents and distribute safety information. The results of rabies testing for the second raccoon are pending, while the first was found to carry a rabies variant typically associated with bats.

This unusual occurrence in raccoons coincides with a significant increase in rabies detections among bats in Los Angeles County. Officials reported 77 rabid bats confirmed so far this year, a record number. Rabies is historically linked primarily to bats in the region.

Health officials are emphasizing the importance of maintaining distance from all wild animals, regardless of their apparent condition. "The detection of rabies in another raccoon is an important reminder to never touch, handle, or feed any wild animals, even when they appear unhealthy," stated Muntu Davis, a county health officer. "Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and contact your local animal control if you encounter an animal that appears to be sick, injured, or behaving unusually. It is also critical to ensure your pets are up to date on rabies vaccination so they are protected before any potential exposure."

Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease that claims tens of thousands of lives globally each year. Health authorities stress that it is preventable with timely post-exposure treatment. Residents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a wild animal and to report the incident to public health agencies. Pet owners should also ensure their animals receive prompt veterinary care and report any potential wild animal encounters to animal control.