NewsSanta Monica MirrorOctober 24, 2026Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County health officials issue pet safety warnings after second rabid raccoon discovery
Photo: Santa Monica Mirror
Health officials confirmed a second rabid raccoon in Los Angeles County, urging residents to update pet vaccinations and avoid contact with wild animals. The detection follows the county's first rabies-positive raccoon case in over 50 years.
Read the full story at Santa Monica MirrorWhy It Matters
Residents face heightened exposure risks to a disease that is virtually 100% fatal once symptoms appear, prompting county officials to offer low-cost pet inoculations through mobile clinics.
Key Facts
- Health officials confirmed a second rabid raccoon in Los Angeles County.
- The initial raccoon case marked the first rabies-positive raccoon found in the county in over 50 years, since 1973.
- Laboratory tests showed the first infected raccoon carried a rabies strain typically associated with bats, while testing for the second raccoon's variant is ongoing.
- County officials urge pet owners to update their animals' rabies vaccinations.
- Rabies is noted to be virtually 100% fatal in mammals, including humans, once clinical symptoms appear.
- The county provides low-cost and free pet inoculations, microchipping, and wellness checkups through mobile Vet@ThePark clinics.
Who's Mentioned
locationLos Angeles County“Jurisdiction where the rabid raccoons were discovered.”OrganizationLos Angeles County Department of Public Health“Health agency confirming the rabies cases and issuing warnings.”PersonMuntu Davis“Los Angeles County Health Officer quoted in the article.”OrganizationLos Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control“Agency issuing warnings about wildlife transmission to domestic animals.”