BATH

A woodchuck killed by a terrier Saturday on High Street tested positive for rabies, Bath police said Tuesday, marking the first confirmed case of rabies in the city this year.

The Maine Health and Environmental Testing Lab confirmed that the woodchuck had rabies, according to a release from Bath Police Chief Michael Field.

Bath Animal Control Officer Ann Harford responded Saturday to the north end of High Street to retrieve the woodchuck, which had been killed by a terrier after it entered a yard, the resident reported to police.

The woodchuck did not act strangely, according to the resident, but the dog’s owner reported that it was unusual for the dog to kill animals.

The pet owner has been notified and is taking precautions, according to Field. The dog’s rabies vaccination was current, and it will receive a rabies booster and be kept under observation for 45 days.

Rabies cases are not uncommon in Bath, Field said, urging residents to vaccinate their pets against the disease.

Always use caution when handling a pet that fought or received wounds as the result of a fight with a wild animal.

To reduce the risk of exposure to rabies, pet owners should wear waterproof gloves for protection while washing or treating their pet.

Do not approach wildlife that appears to be sick or acting strangely.

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