A raccoon found within Brantford’s city limits has tested positive for rabies.

The Brant County Health Unit made that announcement Thursday, marking the first rabid animal found in the area since an outbreak of raccoon rabies began in Hamilton last fall.

At last count, 51 raccoons and 19 skunks had tested positive for rabies.

Most of the rabid animals were found in Hamilton, with others in Haldimand-Norfolk or Niagara Region.

Public health officials say Brantford residents should stay away from animals they’re not familiar with, and contact the Brant County SPCA if they come across any creature showing possible symptoms of rabies – such as lethargy, aggression, or frothing at the mouth.

“While the risk of coming across an animal with rabies in Brantford is still low, people should pay attention when outside,” Jeff Kowal, the health unit’s manager of environmental health, said in a press release.

A skunk in the Stratford area has also tested positive for rabies, although that case is not believed to be connected to the positive tests around Hamilton.