OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department announced today (Feb. 16) that a rabid raccoon was recently confirmed in the Pennellville area of the town of Schroeppel. This marks the first confirmed case of rabies in Oswego County in 2018.
There was no known contact between the rabid raccoon and humans or pets.
Jiancheng Huang, Oswego County Public Health Director, said the rabies virus can be present in wildlife throughout the year.
He reminds residents that wildlife will become more active as we head into spring.
To reduce the risk of rabies in pets and humans, Huang advises people to take the following steps:
– Make sure that dogs, cats and pet ferrets have current rabies vaccines. The rabies vaccination is the most effective way of protecting pets and humans from rabies.
– Do not feed pets outdoors.
– Never try to feed a wild animal.
– Do not approach or touch unfamiliar animals.
– Avoid any animal with symptoms of rabies.
– Block any openings into the home that an animal may get through.
– Keep tamper-proof lids on outside garbage cans so animals are not attracted to your property.
– Teach children basic rules about protecting themselves from strange and unfamiliar animals.
Any time a person or pet comes in contact with a potentially rabid animal, including a bat, the incident should be reported immediately to the local health department.
They will investigate to determine if rabies treatment is necessary.
To report a possible rabies exposure in Oswego County, call the health department weekdays at 315-349-3564 or 1-800-596-3200, ext. 3564.
In an emergency during evenings, weekends or holidays, call the department’s answering service at 315-341-0086.
The health department will announce its 2018 rabies clinic schedule later this winter. The vaccine is also available through a veterinarian.
For more information visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/rabies/fact_sheet.htm.
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