DELHI — A raccoon in the town of Delhi has tested positive for rabies, marking the fourth laboratory-confirmed case of rabies in Delaware County this year, according to Delaware County Public Health Services.
The raccoon exposed two dogs and one person. The animal was submitted to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory for testing.
Both dogs were current on their rabies vaccinations and received booster shots following the exposure. The person exposed to the raccoon has begun rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP.
Rabies is a viral disease that is fatal when left untreated. Public Health Services reminds residents to avoid contact with unfamiliar or unusually behaving wildlife and to report suspected rabid animals.
Residents are advised to:
• Keep dogs, cats and ferrets current on their rabies vaccinations. New York law requires the animals to be vaccinated by 4 months old.
• Consider rabies vaccination for livestock that have frequent contact with people.
• Do not feed or approach wild animals or stray animals.
• Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid leaving food outdoors.
• Report animal bites and any contact with bats to the county Health Department.
• Teach children to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.
• Report sick or unusually behaving wildlife to Public Health Services.
Pets that are exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal also may require additional precautions. Unvaccinated pets must be quarantined for six months, while vaccinated pets must receive a booster vaccination within five days of exposure.
The county’s next free rabies vaccination clinic will be held Oct. 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Deposit Highway Garage, 192 Front Street, Deposit.
Preregistration is recommended.
To report a suspected rabid animal or for more information, contact Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832-5200.
