Dover Police warn residents of possible rabies outbreak

DOVER - The Dover Police Department issued an advisory on Wednesday warning of the possibility of sick, and possibly rabid, wild animals in the community after five had to been euthanized in the last three weeks.
All of the animals that had to be put down were discovered in the Forest Street/Portland Ave area and involved either skunks, raccoons, or foxes. Because none of the animals had contact with humans, they were not tested for rabies, police said.
"The behavior of these animals prior to being euthanized suggests that they were suffering from some illness but it is unclear if they were rabid, had distemper, or were suffering from some other disease," the release noted. "The Dover Police Department reminds all residents, especially those living in that neighborhood, to closely monitor their children and domestic animals in areas where they could come into contact with wild animals."
Police also urged residents to not approach or attempt to help an injured or sick animal, but instead, call the Dover Police Department for assistance.