BRADFORD, Vt. — A dead raccoon collected in Bradford April 17 has tested positive for rabies, state officials warned the town’s health officer Friday.

The raccoon was collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture which partners with the Vermont Department of Health as part of program that submits the carcasses of animals susceptible to rabies for testing.

“It didn’t sound like there was a raccoon that was attacking anyone or encountered a dog,” State Public Health Veterinarian Natalie Kwit said Monday. “It most likely was reported as dead.”

Kwit said she did not know where in Bradford the raccoon was found, but the information is usually irrelevant “because animals move around.”

The animal is the second to test positive for the viral disease in Bradford since January, according to the Vermont Department of Health. This is about average, though rabies has been increasing statewide since 2022, Kwit said.

Thirteen animals have tested positive for rabies in Vermont this year.

The health department reports positive rabies results to town health officers because there may be other infected animals in the area and to spread information about the disease.

Rabies is a deadly disease spread in mammals, including humans, through infected saliva. The health department recommends several steps to prevent rabies including not touching wild animals, vaccinating pets and keeping them inside at night.

To report an animal that may have rabies or bites a person or pet in Vermont, call 800-472-2437. To report exposure in New Hampshire, call 603-271-4496.