BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The diagnosis of a rabid raccoon in the Bay Minette area in Baldwin County has prompted public officials to encourage pet owners to be sure their dogs and cats are vaccinated against the fatal disease.

“Because the dead raccoon was found on a porch, we are concerned the home owner's dogs could have been exposed to rabies,” said Charlotte Plumb, environmental supervisor with the Baldwin County Health Department. “We strongly caution people throughout the county not to approach stray animals, wildlife and bats.”

Plumb said the raccoon was tested Dec. 13. Health officials believe dogs killed the raccoon and brought it to a house.

One of the dogs, which has not been vaccinated for rabies, will be quarantined for six months, Plumb said.

“There are rabid raccoons out there,” Plumb said. “If we tested throughout the county, we would find more.”

Rabies is a disease of all mammals, including humans. The disease is generally fatal in humans if specialized anti-rabies treatment is not obtained immediately.

The primary means of exposure is through a bite or scratch with contaminated saliva contacting the wound. Transmission of the deadly virus also occurs if saliva contacts a mucous membrane such as the eye or mouth.

The most consistent clinical sign of rabies in animals is an observable change from normal behavior. Any wild animals that suddenly appear friendly, docile or approach humans should be considered suspect of being infected, and therefore avoided.

Nocturnal animals such as raccoons and foxes that become active in the daytime are also dangerous visitors, and several exposures occur each year in Alabama when children or pets approach these wild animals which have wandered into their yard.

“Avoiding the urge to help or to have contact with wildlife and stray animals is an excellent preventive measure,” according to Dee W. Jones, associate State Public Health Department veterinarian.

If a wild or stray animal is found in or around your home, it is best to contact animal control professionals.

Vaccination of domestic dogs and cats not only protects the animals against rabies, but also provides the best method of protecting a buffer between wildlife rabies and humans, Plumb said.

State law requires that dogs and cats 3 months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies annually.