A rabies epidemic is spreading through the northeastern U.S. Since 1989, when infected raccoons first appeared in New Jersey, 700 rabid animals -- including skunks, foxes and even a bear -- have been counted in that state alone. Last month three rabid raccoons were discovered in Connecticut, and experts say it's only a matter of time before the disease moves farther into New England.
Rabies began to spread northward in 1977, when 3,500 Florida raccoons were imported into West Virginia to be hunted for sport. A number of them were rabid and quickly transmitted the disease to other forms of wildlife...
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