Woman sparks major health hazard after taking pet racoon into nail store
A baby pet raccoon has been euthanized after a woman took the potentially rabies-infested animal to a nail trimming store - and let customers kiss it.
The owner brought the raccoon into a Petco in Maine, US, for a nail trimming service on Tuesday where the animal was handled and kissed by customers after she requested the pet's nails were trimmed.
After hearing customers had kissed the animal, there were concerns people may have been exposed to rabies, as raccoons are of the most common carriers of the virus in Maine, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
In order to test for rabies, the raccoon was euthanized, as per guidelines in Maine.
She was trying to get the raccoon's nails cut (MAINE WARDEN SERVICE)Maine's testing guidelines state "animals submitted for testing must be euthanized".
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The agency said: “The raccoon tested negative for rabies, so those who came in contact with the raccoon at Petco do not need to seek treatment.
"Animals submitted for testing must be euthanized. [Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory] asks that animals be decapitated by a veterinarian or trained personnel.”
However, the results came back showing the animal had tested negative for the disease.
The agency has since shared pictures of the woman they want to speak to on Facebook, who still remains at large.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife said in a statement: "It is illegal to possess wildlife in Maine, and Petco does not trim raccoon nails."
According to the agency, while the woman waited several people handled the animal and even kissed it.
"Once the store manager was alerted to the raccoon, the manager asked the woman with the racoon to leave the store, and contacted the Maine CDC and the Maine Warden Service," the agency said.
Raccoon's can carry rabies (BBC)Raccoons are known to carry rabies, which can be spread to humans if a rabid animal's saliva comes into contact with a scratch, bite, cut or gets into the mouth, eyes or nose.
In addition, the virus can be lethal unless treated after exposure.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is asking anyone with information on the woman to come forward.
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The agency has reminded locals that it is illegal to posses wildlife in Maine and to never attempt to feed, handle or move a wild animal.
“If you care, leave them there," the agency said.
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