Bucksport Dog Bit By Rabid Groundhog

A small-breed dog is expected to be okay after he was bitten by a rabid groundhog in Bucksport last week.

The BDN reports the dog was up to date on his vaccines and has received a booster shot. He's currently in a 45-day quarantine and his veterinarian expects that he'll be fine. The dog was bit by the groundhog near his owner's home after the rabid animal charged him.

As of August 3, there have been 27 cases of rabies reported statewide, with many of them concentrated in Southern Maine, especially in the Brunswick area. Affected animals have included 15 raccoons, eight gray foxes, six skunks, two bats, and a cat.

The best defense against rabies is making sure pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. An infected pet can also spread the disease which, if left untreated, can be fatal.