According to a press released issued by Delaware County Public Health Services, March 31, a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Delhi; the first animal to test positive in 2023 in Delaware County.
A dog was bitten by a lab-confirmed rabid raccoon in the town of Delhi, the press release went on to say. There were no human exposure. According to the owner of the exposed dog, the raccoon was not acting sick or appeared to be rabid. Vaccination records of the dog indicated the dog was not up to date on its rabies vaccinations. The dog has begun a six-month quarantine following state Department of Health guidelines.
Getting a pet vaccinated by a vet or at a free clinic can help stop the spread of rabies from wild animals to humans, said Heather Warner, public health programs manager.
An exposure to rabies can be fatal for a human or a pet, the press release continued. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid wildlife and people. Public health services recommends pet owners take advantage of any of free rabies clinics in Delaware County:
• Sidney, May 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sidney Fire Hall: 74 River Street.
• Hancock, May 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Hancock Town Hall, 661 West Main Street.
• Arkville, June 7, 4-6 p.m. Arkville Fire Hall, 43365 State Highway 28.
• Franklin, June 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main Street.
• Walton, July 12, 5-7 p.m., Walton Highway Garage, 25091 State Highway 10.
• Delhi, Aug. 22, 5-7 p.m. Delhi Fire Hall, 140 Delview Terrace Extension.
• Stamford, Sept. 12, 5-7 p.m., Stamford Fire Hall, 111 Main Street.
• Deposit, Oct. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m., DPW garage 1 Village Street (200 Front Street).
Once infected, rabies is a virus that has 100% fatality rate when left untreated, in mammals including humans. Public health services recommends the following precautions to protect yourself and your family from possible exposure to rabies:
• Report any sick or strange acting wildlife.
• Vaccinate pets and livestock. New York law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Vaccinating domestic animals not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.
• Vaccination is also recommended for livestock with frequent human contact.
• Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near a home.
• Do not feed strays.
• Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Report all animal bites and any contact with bats to the health department in your county. Human rabies can be prevented after exposure by administering a series of shots.
• Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.
• Children should be instructed to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.
• If a pet not up to date on its rabies vaccinations comes in contact with rabid or suspected rabid animal the pet must be quarantined for six months.
• Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabies animal must be given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact.
To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832- 5200. For more information visit delawarecountypublichealth.com
