Oswego County Health Department Reports 10 Cases Of Rabid Wildlife This Year

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department continues to investigate reports of rabies during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, there have been 10 cases of confirmed rabies in wildlife within the county. 

In February, rabid racoons were reported in the towns of Granby, Oswego and Scriba. In March, rabid racoons were reported in the towns of Palermo and Volney. So far in April, there have been two rabid raccoons and a rabid gray fox in the town of Scriba, a rabid racoon in the town of Hannibal and a rabid fisher in the town of Boylston.

Judy Grandy, director of the Oswego County Health Department’s Environmental Division, said, “People may see more wildlife now that they are staying home during this COVID-19 pandemic. If anyone sees an animal that appears to be threatening people or pets, they should call the Oswego County Health Department’s Environmental Division. Our rabies prevention program continues to be available 24/7 to investigate cases of potential rabies exposure.”

All animal bites, whether from a domestic animal or wildlife, should be reported to the health department as soon as possible. To report an animal bite or seek guidance concerning potential exposures to rabies, call 315-349-3557, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; or call 315-341-0086 after regular business hours, weekends and holidays.

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