Raccoon tests negative for viral diseases

A raccoon carcass sent for testing recently at the Atlantic Veterinary College has tested negative for both rabies and distemper.

The animal was recently reported by a homeowner in the Miscouche area to be acting strangely. She told East Prince RCMP it was just outside her house, pacing, growling and foaming at the mouth.

Police, working with provincial wildlife officials, removed and destroyed the animal. Samples from the body were sent for testing.

Both rabies and distemper are viral diseases that can cause aggressive and otherwise unusual behaviour in infected animals.