Mystic ― A raccoon found on Whitney Road on the Groton side of Mystic tested positive for rabies Friday, Ledge Light Health District announced.

The agency warned the public to refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people. It is spread mostly by wild animals, but stray cats and dogs may also become infected and spread the virus.

The virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies can be spread by scratches from infected animals or when infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds, breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, such as eyes, nose and mouth.

For more information, contact Ledge Light Health District at (860) 448-4882 or Groton Animal Control at (860) 441-6709.