2 rabid raccoons found in Morningside, Pleasant Hills

Two more raccoons in Allegheny County have tested positive for rabies, according to the Allegheny County Health Department.

The animals were discovered in Pittsburgh’s Morningside neighborhood and in Pleasant Hills.

The Morningside raccoon was found near the intersection of Chislett Street and President Way, the health department said. The Pleasant Hills raccoon was found near the intersection of Clairton Boulevard and North Lewis Run Road, which is close to the Jefferson Hills border, according to the health department.

The recent cases bring the year’s rabid animal total to 23 across the county . In all, officials have detected rabies in 12 raccoons, seven bats, two cats, one groundhog and one fox. Three found in Morningside have tested positive for rabies.

The Health Department in August distributed rabies vaccine baits for raccoons across the county, focusing on wooded areas and parks. Made of fishmeal and fish oil, the bait attracts raccoons and has a packet of rabies vaccine in the middle.

Officials urge residents to avoid stray and wild animals, even if they appear healthy, to avoid exposure to rabies. If any animal appears to act strange or becomes threatening, residents should immediately notify their local animal control service, the police or the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the health department said. Residents should also make sure that their pets are up-to-date with vaccinations.

The virus is generally transmitted through a bite or scratch. Untreated, it can be fatal.

Anyone who is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to saliva from a stray or any other animal should immediately cleanse the contact area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment and call health department officials at 412-687-2243.

Madasyn Czebiniak is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Madasyn at 724-226-4702, mczebiniak@tribweb.com, or via Twitter @maddyczebstrib.