Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Delhi

A raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Delhi. This is the first animal in  Delaware County to test positive for rabies in 2023.  

One dog was bitten by a lab confirmed rabid raccoon in the town of Delhi, there were no human exposures. According to the owner of the exposed dog the raccoon was not acting  sick or appeared to be rabid. Vaccination records of the dog indicated the animal was not  up to date its rabies vaccinations. The animal has begun a 6-month quarantine following  the New York State Department of Health guidelines.  

“There have been reports to public health from other areas of the county about strange  acting raccoons”, states Heather Warner, PH Programs Manager. “Getting your pet  vaccinated by your vet or at a free clinic can help stop the spread of rabies from wild  animals to humans”.  

An exposure to rabies can be fatal for a human or a pet. Be sure your dogs, cats and ferrets  are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid  wildlife and man. Protect them, and you may reduce your risk of exposure to rabies. Be a  responsible pet owner by keeping your pet’s vaccinations current. Public Health  recommends that pet owners take advantage of any of the free remaining rabies clinics in  Delaware County.  

• Sidney-May 8, 2023 5:30PM-7:30PM, Sidney Fire Hall: 74 River St. Sidney, NY 13838 

• Hancock- May 22, 2023 5:30-7:30PM, Hancock Town Hall, 661 West Main St. Hancock,  NY 13783

• Arkville- June 7, 2023 4PM-6PM Arkville Fire Hall, 43365 State Highway 28, Arkville, NY  12406 

• Franklin- June 12, 2023, 5:30PM-7:30PM Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main St., Franklin, NY  13775 

• Walton-July 12, 2023 5 PM- 7 PM Walton Highway Garage, 25091 State Highway 10,  Walton, NY 13856 

• Delhi- August 22, 2023 5 PM-7 PM Delhi Fire Hall, 140 Delview Terrace Extn. Delhi, NY  13753 

• Stamford-September 12, 2023 5 PM- 7 PM Stamford Fire Hall, 111 Main St. Stamford,  NY 12167 

• Deposit- October 2, 2023, 5:30PM-7:30PM DPW garage 1 Village St (200 Front St),  Deposit, NY 13754 

Once infected, rabies is a virus that has 100% fatality rate when left untreated, in mammals  including humans. Public Health recommends the following precautions to protect yourself and  your family from possible exposure to rabies: 

• Report any sick or strange acting wildlife 

• Vaccinate pets and livestock. New York State law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets  be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age. Vaccinating your domestic animal not  only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the  rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people. 

• Vaccination is also recommended for livestock with frequent human contact. 

• Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your  home. 

• Do not feed strays. According to Public Health Law an owner is defined as any person  keeping, harboring, or having charge or control of or permitting any dog, cat or  domesticated ferret to remain on or be lodged or fed within such person’s house yard  or premises. 

• Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting in  a strange or unusual manner.

• Report all animal bites and any contact with bats to the Health Department in your  county. Human rabies can be prevented after exposure by administering a series of  shots.  

• Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside. 

• Children should be instructed to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or  scratched by any animal. 

• If a pet not up to date on its rabies vaccinations comes in contact with rabid or  suspected rabid animal the pet must be quarantined for six months. 

• Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabies animal must be  given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact. 

To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832- 5200. For more information call 607-832-5200 or visit our website at  www.delawarecountypublichealth.com