Rabies confirmed in raccoon involved in altercation with dog

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Health authorities say rabies has been confirmed in a raccoon involved in an altercation with a dog in western Pennsylvania.

The Allegheny County health department said the dog involved in the incident in Upper St. Clair was up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations.

This is the first report of a rabid animal in the county this year. Last year, 25 animals were confirmed to have rabies in the county: a dozen raccoons, nine bats, two cats, a fox and a groundhog.

Rabies is a virus transmitted by an animal bite or scratch; exposures are almost always fatal when left untreated. Residents are being warned to avoid stray animals and wildlife, even if the animals appear healthy.