The Allentown Health Bureau reminds citizens to vaccinate their pets to prevent rabies.

The reminder follows a report that a raccoon found on the top level in the arena parking deck at Seventh & Linden streets has tested positive for rabies. This raccoon was captured by a city animal control officer on Friday, April 10, 2015 and sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Health lab for testing, which confirmed that the raccoon was rabid.

As long as no one had any contact with the raccoon, there is no risk. Anyone who may have handled the raccoon should call the Health Bureau at 610-437-7569 or 610-437-7751 (emergency number after hours).

Allentown Health Director Vicky Kistler says the discovery serves as a reminder to all citizens that rabies can be found in stray or wild animals. Residents are advised to refrain from petting, touching or feeding stray or wild animals when possible and to keep pets vaccinated against the disease.

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