A Rabid Woodchuck Attacked a Dog in Bucksport

There has been yet another rabid animal attack in Maine.

According to the Bangor Daily News, a woodchuck was confirmed to have rabies after it attacked a dog in Bucksport, the first rabid animal case in Hancock County. The dog has been quarantined to be on the safe side, but its shots were up to date.

Rabies cases have now been reported in every county in Maine except Lincoln, Piscataquis  and Somerset. 34 cases have been reported with the majority of them raccoons some of which have attacked humans. Other confirmed cases of rabies were found in grey foxes, red foxes, skunks, bats and one cat.

It's a good reminder to make sure your dogs have had their rabies vaccinations and boosters as required by Maine law. According to New England Animal Hospital in Waterville, dogs should be initially vaccinated at 16 weeks old and receive a booster a year later and every three years thereafter.