Oswego County Offers Rabies Precautions for Hunting Season

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department reminds people to be mindful of the risk of rabies while hunting wildlife this season.

“It’s important for people to remember that rabies is a viral disease that can infect any mammal, including game they are hunting this time of year,” said Oswego County Director of Environmental Health Katelyn Parkhurst. “Animals infected with rabies typically display unusual behavior, such as acting aggressively, drooling or having difficulty walking. They may appear disoriented or seem unafraid of humans. Knowing these signs can help keep you and your family safe from this fatal disease.”

She offers the following precautions for hunters and others exposed to wildlife:

• Stay away from animals that are sick or wild, especially if they are behaving strangely or seem disoriented. Only harvest animals that look and act healthy. Animals that are dead or are not behaving normally may carry dangerous diseases, including rabies.
• Be cautious while handling wild game or carcasses. Hunters should use disposable gloves when field dressing, skinning or butchering game and safely dispose of the gloves after.
• Never consume animals that behave abnormally.
• If your hunting dog or pet is attacked or injured by an animal, protect yourself by putting on rubber, canvas or leather gloves before touching your animal. Seek guidance from your veterinarian, local animal control or the health department.
• If you encounter a wild animal and are bitten or scratched, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water and seek medical care immediately.
• All incidents involving a bite or scratch from either a domestic animal or wildlife should be reported to the Oswego County Health Department as soon as possible. To report an animal bite or to seek guidance on potential rabies exposure, call 315-349-3557 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or 315-341-0086 after regular business hours, weekends and holidays.

For more information, including tips on preparing game safely, visit the New York State Department of Health’s website.

“Pet owners should also ensure their animals are current on their rabies vaccination,” Parkhurst added. “The vaccine is the most effective way to protect people and their pets from the disease.”

The Oswego County Health Department’s final rabies vaccination clinic of the season takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Minetto Town Highway Garage, located at 111 Co. Rte. 31 in Oswego. The clinic is by appointment only, and residents can call 315-349-3564 to schedule.

There is a suggested donation of $7 per pet.

The following protocols will be in effect at the clinic:

• Do not attend the clinic if you or your pet are ill.
• There is a limit of four pets per family. Only the individuals handling the animals should attend the clinic. Young children are not recommended to enter the building unless absolutely necessary. If children are left in the car, they should be properly supervised.
• People must control their pets at all times. Pets must be caged and/or leashed with a fixed length no longer than six feet. Cats and ferrets should be in a carrier.
• Attendees are asked to arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to their appointment and follow signs and instructions from clinic staff.

New York State Public Health Law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies, with the first vaccine given at three months of age. Dogs and cats require a second vaccination within one year of the first, and every three years thereafter. Ferrets must be vaccinated annually. Animals under three months of age cannot receive a rabies vaccination.

Additional information about rabies can be found on the Oswego County Health Department’s website or on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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