Officials are asking people to take precautions

ST. JOHNSBURY — Officials are asking people to take precautions after discovering two rabid raccoons in town. The town’s website notes that the Vermont Dept. of Health had reported to the town the presence of rabies in the area. The infected raccoons were discovered through a wildlife surveillance effort by the USDA and were reported to the state’s health department, which notified St. Johnsbury Fire Chief Brad Reed on Monday. Reed serves as the town’s health officer. Public Health Veterinarian Natalie Kwit said the USDA made the discoveries in late December. She was not aware if the raccoons were found in the same location of town. She said the infected animals were not discovered as a result of any human or pet interaction; the discoveries were made through routine monitoring efforts by USDA officials. Kwit said it’s important for people to know when rabies is discovered so they can be alert to the threat.