Los Angeles County reports first rabid raccoon in five decades, issues health alert
A rabies-positive raccoon found in a Westlake Village backyard is the county's first case in over 50 years, prompting officials to advise residents on precautions and post-exposure treatment.
Los Angeles County health officials confirmed that a raccoon discovered in a Westlake Village backyard tested positive for rabies, marking the first such case in the area since 1973. The animal appeared ill but was not aggressive, and a dog that had contact with it was placed under quarantine and is reported to be recovering.
Four workers at a nearby construction site who may have been exposed are receiving recommended rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. The county is conducting variant testing, which could take several weeks, and officials suspect the raccoon may have contracted the virus from a bat.
"The detection of rabies in a raccoon is an important reminder to never touch, handle or feed any wild animals, even when they appear healthy," said Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis. "Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and contact your local animal control if you encounter an animal that appears sick, injured or is behaving unusually."
Rabies, a fatal viral disease affecting the brain and nervous system, is most often transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites. The county has seen a rise in rabid bat cases, with a record 70 reported so far in 2026, and urges the public to avoid contact with bats and other wildlife and to keep pets up to date on vaccinations.