Raccoons Tested For Rabies In Greenwich, Safety Alert Issued: PD

GREENWICH, CT — On Tuesday, police sent out a safety alert regarding raccoons in Greenwich being tested for rabies and other diseases. Over the past couple of weeks, animal control officers have responded to several reports of "dead or very sick raccoons" in the area of Greenwich Point, police said.

The animals were "dispatched for humanitarian reasons" and tested for the rabies virus, the results of which are expected to be received by Tuesday, police said in a statement on Facebook.

"Due to the discovery of the animals in a small area and as a precaution, the Greenwich Police Animal Control Section, in conjunction with the Greenwich Health Department, will also be testing the deceased animals for distemper and parvovirus," police said in a statement. "Those results may take several days."

According to police, both diseases are not a concern for humans, however they are contagious for canines. With this in mind, police ask all dog owners to make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies, distemper and parvovirus vaccinations.

Police ask owners to make sure their dog is leashed and under control while walking near Greenwich Point. They also warn not to let dogs go near any wild animals, alive or dead.

Anyone who sees a a "dead, sick or distressed" raccoon while walking in the park is asked not to touch or approach the animal. Instead, police ask residents to contact the Greenwich Public Safety Communications Center at 203-622-8004.