DAVENPORT - A raccoon in the town of Davenport has tested positive for rabies, marking Delaware County’s second confirmed case of the virus this year and prompting treatment for three people and a domestic dog exposed to the animal, according to Delaware County Public Health Services.
The raccoon was tested at the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory, where the infection was confirmed. Public health officials said the exposed dog received a rabies booster vaccination and remains under follow-up observation, while the three individuals have begun rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of treatments designed to prevent infection after exposure.
Rabies, a viral disease affecting mammals including humans, is almost universally fatal once symptoms appear if left untreated.
County health officials urged residents to avoid contact with wildlife behaving unusually and to ensure household pets remain current on rabies vaccinations. Under New York law, dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated by four months of age.
Officials emphasized that vaccinated pets act as a critical barrier between infected wildlife and humans.
Residents are also advised not to feed stray or wild animals, to secure garbage containers and outdoor food sources, and to report any animal bites or encounters with bats to local health authorities. Children should immediately notify an adult if bitten or scratched by any animal, officials said.
Public health guidance states that unvaccinated pets exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal may be subject to a six-month quarantine. Vaccinated pets exposed to rabies must receive a booster shot within five days of contact.
The county will continue to offer free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets throughout the summer and fall. Upcoming clinics are scheduled:
• Franklin - June 1, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main Street
• Margaretville - June 11, 4 - 6 p.m., Margaretville Fire Hall, 77 Church Street
• Roxbury - June 25, 4 - 6 p.m., Roxbury Highway Garage, 52508 State Highway 30
• Walton - July 13, 5 - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street
• Delhi - Aug. 12, 5 - 7 p.m., Delhi Fire Hall, 140 Delview Terrace Ext.
• Stamford - Sept. 9, 5 - 7 p.m., Stamford Fire Hall, 111 Main Street
• Deposit - Oct. 5, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., DPW Garage 192 Front Street
Suspected rabid animals can be reported to Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832-5200.
