Samples taken from the raccoon that escaped from a shipping container in West Bay last month have tested negative for rabies, the Department of Agriculture confirmed on Wednesday.
The animal, which was one of two raccoons found on 22 Oct., was captured a little over a week after it escaped the shipping container at Republix Plaza in West Bay.
The DoA, in response to queries from the Cayman Compass, said the second raccoon captured on the 2 Nov. tested negative for both rabies and canine distemper viruses, which are known to be carried by raccoons.
“We are relieved that the Cayman Islands rabies-free status has not been compromised. Maintaining a rabies-free status is of utmost importance as any change to this would not only pose a serious risk to the human and animal population, but would have significant implications as it relates to animal and human vaccination,” the DoA said in an emailed statement.
That racoon was found not far from where it escaped.
The DoA said, at the time, the animal had a compound fracture of the leg which was discovered after examination and “given the animal’s injury, it was humanely euthanised shortly after capture to prevent any further pain and suffering”.
The animal’s travel companion was trapped the same day the pair was found in the container. That animal was also euthanised and samples sent to the US for testing for rabies and canine distemper viruses.
It, too, was found to be negative for the viruses.
Both animals were found to be juvenile male raccoons.
Customs and Border Control is set to fire-up a new container scanner in the coming weeks which officials say will be able to detect living material and therefore reduce the risk of any animals escaping into the local environment.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a virus that infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death.
Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start.
(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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