The Department of Agriculture of Agriculture received information about the sighting of an animal looking like a raccoon on Grand Turk. Video footage was received which enabled team members to identify the animal and determine its size.
The Department of Agriculture in collaboration with Ports Authority, Department of Environment, Environmental Health Department and Customs Department, implemented a surveillance and trapping activity with a view to capturing the animal for destruction.
On Saturday 13th May, the animal was captured in the location where it was last sighted by residents.
The animal was identified based on the markings as a raccoon (Prcoyon lotor), female, non-pregnant or nursing, native to North America. Raccoons are mammals and vectors to a number of infectious diseases, and a common vector of rabies. The department therefore took the decisive action to have the animal euthanized and disposed of.
The importance of biosecurity systems for inspection of all cargo on conveyances such as vessels and aircraft are critical. In addition, vigilance of the community is equally important, we encourage persons to continue to notify the Department of such incidents.
We want to thank all those who assisted in one way or the other in dealing with this incident.
The Department requests the continued support of general public to assist in keeping TCI safe from introduction of pest and diseases that may affect the islands.