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Another rabid raccoon found in Westlake Village
The Acorn • • health
Key Points:
- A second rabid raccoon exhibiting "sick and aggressive" behavior was found on Oct. 18 in Westlake Village near the site of a previous rabid raccoon reported on Sept. 17, with no residents or pets exposed so far.
- The first raccoon in L.A. County to test positive for rabies since 1973 was infected with the bat strain of the virus; testing is pending to identify the variant in the second case.
- 2026 has seen record numbers of rabid bats in L.A. and Ventura counties, with 77 and 32 detected respectively, including one found recently in the same neighborhood.
- L.A. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis emphasized avoiding contact with wild animals, reporting unusual behavior, and keeping pets vaccinated against rabies to prevent infection.
- Residents can report sick or dead raccoons for pickup and testing by contacting the Agoura Animal Care Center or the L.A. County Veterinary Public Health Program.
