A raccoon found northeast of Hillsborough tested positive for rabies on Tuesday at the State Laboratory of Public Health.

The raccoon was submitted after a resident in the vicinity of New Sharon Church Road and Schley Road saw one of her four dogs with the raccoon. The dog was the mother of three five-month old puppies who were also outside at the time. Although the puppies were not seen with the raccoon, contact could not be ruled out.

The mother dog was vaccinated against rabies and received a rabies booster shot, required within 72 hours of exposure. The puppies, however, were not vaccinated, and must either be destroyed or quarantined for six months.

So far this year, Orange County Animal Services has received four positive rabies tests. If any possible exposure to a bat, raccoon or skunk is suspected, contact Animal Control at 245-2075 or call 911.