NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — New Bedford officials are warning residents around Buttonwood Park to vaccinate their pets after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The infected raccoon has since been euthanized by animal control. “It’s important to have your pets vaccinated for rabies, really, it’s a matter of life and death for your pets,” the Director of Animal Control for the City of New Bedford Emanuel Maciel said. However, rabies isn’t just a problem for animals. Kathy Normore is a local resident who is going through the treatment for a possible rabies infection. “Out of the corner of my eye, I just saw something, and by the time I turned, it was on me,” she said. Normore was attacked by a coyote in North Dartmouth with no idea what might come next. “Look at me, I’m shaking,” she said. “I was throwing up, and they say that’s a common side effect from the shots.” Partway through the discussion with ABC6, a wave of nausea and exhaustion hit Normore, a common concern she’s had as treatment continues. Maciel doesn’t believe any other animals are infected at this point but still said community members should avoid wild animals. “It’s one extreme or the other,” he said. “It’s lethargic with neurological signs – the drunken stage we call it. And then the other one is like that Kujo. Biting at everything it sees, that’s some of the signs that we go by.” Buttonwood Park is a popular area for dog walkers, but some are thinking twice about spending time there. “I also have two young children, so we also play at the playground a lot,” Hannah Benson said. “So, that’s also why it’s very concerning because rabies is not something you just worry about for dogs, it’s also for people too.” Animal control said a positive rabies case in animals is relatively rare, but any animal bite is treated as a potential exposure. The city plans on holding a rabies clinic in November so pet owners can get their vaccines if needed. Resident in the Buttonwood area that see any animals with rabies symptoms are asked to avoid the animal and call New Bedford Animal Control at 508-991-6366. Categories: Massachusetts, New Bedford, News