Stay Alert Around Bats and Wildlife to Help Prevent Rabies

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department (OCHD) encourages residents to stay vigilant about the risk of rabies and reminds them to take appropriate precautions when they encounter wildlife.

“As people enjoy spending more time outdoors during the summer months, we want to remind residents to be aware of the risks associated with rabies,” said Oswego County Director of Environmental Health Katelyn Parkhurst. “It’s common to see wild animals caring for their young this time of year and, although these animals may appear harmless, they should always be observed from a safe distance and never approached or handled. Avoiding contact with wildlife is one of the best ways to protect yourself, family and pets from rabies and other diseases.”

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. People usually become infected with the rabies virus from the bite of an infected animal; however, exposure can also occur if saliva from a rabid animal enters an open cut or mucous membrane such as the eyes, nose or mouth.

OCHD reports a rise in rabies cases this spring. There have been five positive cases in the county this year so far, with two raccoons and one fox in the town of Hannibal; one raccoon in the town of Oswego; and one bat in the town of Constantia. Three people received treatment after being exposed to the fox, while five children were treated following exposure to the bat.

It’s important to report all domestic and wild animal bites or contact with wildlife to the Oswego County Health Department’s Environmental Division. Call 315-349-3564 on weekdays or 315-341-0086 evenings and weekends.

“Staff will investigate to determine whether people or pets may have been exposed,” said Parkhurst. “If an exposure to the rabies virus is confirmed, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) shots can be highly effective in preventing rabies, but treatment must begin before symptoms develop.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bats are one of the most reported rabid animals in the United States.

Those who find a bat in their house should try to safely capture it without exposing themselves. The health department will then determine if it needs to be tested for the rabies virus.

For instructions on how to capture a bat, watch the New York State Department of Health video, “Catch a Bat Safely,” at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/.

To minimize the chance of exposure to rabies, people should be wary of any animals that act abnormally. Unusual actions include aggressive or tame behavior, no fear of humans, aimless wandering or appearing disoriented.

The health department offers these tips to further reduce the risk of exposure to the rabies virus:

• Do not pick up, touch or feed wildlife or stray dogs and cats. Wild or feral animals, including their babies, can be rabid. Teach children to do the same.
• If a wild animal is on your property, get indoors and let it wander away.
• Keep pets and livestock animals up to date on their vaccinations.
• Don’t let pets roam free and bring them indoors at night.
• Feed pets indoors to avoid attracting wildlife and stray animals to your home.

Parkhurst reminds pet owners that all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies. “Even animals that remain indoors can be exposed to rabies through a bite or scratch from a rabid bat,” she said. “Immunizing your pets is the most effective protection from the rabies virus.”

The next rabies vaccination clinic takes place on Wednesday, July 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hannibal Town Highway Garage, 68 Cemetery Dr. The clinic is by appointment only and appointments can be made by calling 315-349-3564.

For a complete schedule, click on 2026 Oswego County Rabies Clinics.

For more information about rabies, go to the Oswego County Health Department’s website at https://health.oswegocountyny.gov/programs/environmental1/rabies_program2.php.