A rabies-positive raccoon has been found in the backyard of a Westlake Village home, marking the first confirmed rabid raccoon in Los Angeles County since 1973, officials announced on Monday.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported that the animal appeared sick but did not show aggression toward people. The exact date of the raccoon's discovery was not specified by the department. Following the incident, one dog that was current on its rabies vaccine may have been exposed to the raccoon and is currently under quarantine, reportedly “doing well.” In addition, four individuals working at a nearby site may have also been exposed and are receiving recommended post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies.
The last time a rabid raccoon was confirmed in Los Angeles County, nearly 50 years ago, the skunk variant of rabies was still present in the area, though that strain hasn't been detected since 1979. More recently, the last non-bat animal confirmed with rabies in Los Angeles County was a skunk infected with the bat variant in Long Beach in 2014.
While the specific rabies variant infecting the Westlake Village raccoon has not yet been determined, officials stated that based on current knowledge of rabies in Los Angeles County, it is likely the animal contracted the disease from a bat. The Department of Public Health noted that variant testing can take several weeks.
Globally, rabies is responsible for tens of thousands of human deaths annually, with most cases linked to exposure to dogs in regions where the canine strain of rabies persists.
Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County health officer, emphasized the importance of vigilance. Dr. Davis stated that “The detection of rabies in a raccoon is an important reminder to never touch, handle, or feed any wild animals, even when they appear healthy.” He further advised residents to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and to contact local animal control if they encounter any animal that appears sick, injured, or is behaving unusually. Dr. Davis also stressed the critical need for pets to be up to date on their rabies vaccinations as a protective measure against potential exposure.
Historically, rabies exposures in Los Angeles County have primarily been associated with contact with bats. Although the number of rabid bat detections can vary year to year, Los Angeles County has observed a consistent upward trend over the past decade, with peak season typically occurring in late summer. So far this year, officials have confirmed a record-breaking 70 rabid bats in the county.
Once clinical symptoms manifest, rabies is almost always fatal. However, timely administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after a potential exposure is highly effective in preventing the disease. The public is reminded to never touch a bat or any wild animal, as even minor or unnoticed bites can transmit rabies. In animals, rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms begin, but it is entirely preventable through vaccination. Officials recommend vaccinating indoor-only cats and older pets, and ensuring all pets remain current on their rabies vaccine.
Individuals who are bitten by a wild mammal, such as a raccoon, skunk, opossum, or coyote, are urged to seek medical advice immediately and report the incident to Public Health. If a pet is bitten by a wild mammal, owners should seek veterinary care without delay and report the incident to both their local animal control and Public Health.
Residents who notice sick wildlife should not approach the animal but should instead call their local animal control department. Additional preventative tips include avoiding leaving pet food outdoors, refraining from feeding free-roaming animals, keeping trash in containers with tightly fitting lids, and sealing off crawl spaces and other openings where animals might enter.
