SOUTH BURY – Animal control officials are warning residents to be careful after two people and their dog were attacked by a rabid baboon this month.
Southbury Animal Control said the attack – which officials classified as a “rare and isolated incident” – took place on January 4 in the city’s shopping district.
Officials said the dog was aware of her vaccination against rabies. She was placed under a severe 45-day prison sentence and is expected to recover. Officials said if the dog had not had a rabies vaccine, she could have been in a six-month quarantine or had to undergo euthanasia.
“It serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations for pets,” officials said.
The dog owners have started their vaccine range.
The baboon, who died, was tested positive for rabies after the attack.
Some common symptoms of rabies include unexplained aggression, difficulty walking and excessive salivation, officials said.
“Although it was a rare and isolated incident, it is important that residents are aware of it,” officials said.
Animal control officers have encouraged owners to make sure their pets are aware of their vaccinations, and to supervise while outdoors.
There have been a few bobcat encounters over the years where Connecticut residents and pets have been involved.
Last summer, a baboon attacked a family’s dog in Preston and, according to Fox61, entered their home. When they could not get the baboon out of the house, officials killed the animal. According to Day of New London, the bobcat tested positive for rabies
In December 2019, a 12-year-old boy was in the backyard of his home in Fairfield when he was attacked by a baboon. Police ran into the woods after the boy sustained a minor finger scratch and a torn shirt, police said at the time.
In April 2019, a golfer on the Mohegan Sun golf course was injured by a baboon. Officials said the baboon also attacked a horse. The animal was killed and tested positive for rabies.
For more details on baboons in Connecticut, visit the DEEP bobcat website.