Bob Marotto, director of Orange County Animal Services says a raccoon captured just north of Hillsborough has tested positive for rabies.

The owner of the dog shot and killed the raccoon.  The resident reduced the risk of infecting himself by wearing gloves to place the raccoon in a bag for Animal Control.

Even though potential human contamination is low… the case has been referred to the Orange County’s Health Department.

If an unvaccinated pet is exposed to a rabid animal… the pet must either be destroyed or kept for a period of 6 months for monitoring by a vet at the owner’s expense.

Marotto says the dog in this case was vaccinated.

This is the 9th confirmed case in Orange County this year.