DEER PARK, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — The Suffolk County Department of Health Services on Tuesday announced that a sick raccoon found in Deer Park tested positive for rabies.
The raccoon tested positive July 29, but there was no human or pet contact, officials said.
This is the seventh case of terrestrial rabies in the county this year and the first to be found outside of the Amityville area, where six other rabid raccoons were collected. The first was reported on January 28.
Suffolk County health officials plan to launch a raccoon vaccination baiting campaign in September across other towns in the county.
"We are preparing to immunize the raccoon population through a baiting program in September targeting the four western towns – Babylon, Huntington, Islip, and Smithtown," said Dr. Gregson Pigott, commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. "Meanwhile, we ask all residents to keep their pets close to them and make sure they are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.”
The county is also reminding residents to keep their pets' rabies vaccinations up to date and to avoid contact with wildlife.
Last month, the Nassau County Department of Health declared rabies an “imminent public health threat” after dozens of cases in animals.
To further protect yourself from possible exposure to rabies the Suffolk County Department of Health Services suggests:
- Keep dogs, cats, and ferrets on a leash and keep livestock confined in the evening.
- Do not have contact with any animal other than your own.
- Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
- Do not touch dead or dying animals. Use a shovel, wear rubber gloves and double bag the carcass, if you need to move them.
- Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting unusually.
- Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.
- Children should be advised to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.