A raccoon located on St. Francis Church Road in Butler County tested positive for rabies this week, said Dr. Josh Gardner of Clay Hill Animal Clinic.

Dr. Gardner advises citizens to take the following measure to protect their families and pets:

*Avoid any domestic or wild animals acting in a strange or unusual manner.

*Teach children to stay away from animals that are hurt or unknown to them.

*Instruct children to avoid approaching any wild animal, especially those acting strangely.

*Advise children to tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.

*If bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly under running water, immediately seek medical attention from your doctor or hospital, and report the incidence to the Butler County Health Department for follow-up.

*Be sure your dogs and cats have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Vaccinating pets not only protects them from rabies, but it protects the community because  pets are the buffer between people and wildlife.

Rabies clinics will be held at several locations around the county starting this June. Anyone may contact their local veterinarian for information pertaining to dates and locations of these clinics.