NEWS
Raccoon tests positive for Rabies in the Town of Tompkins
A raccoon in the Town of Tompkins has tested positive for rabies. The rabid raccoon
attacked and exposed one dog; no human exposures were reported. The dog was up to
date on its rabies vaccinations and received a booster.
Rabies is endemic to the area. An exposure to rabies can be fatal for a human or a pet.
Vaccination of pets and other animals is the best preventive measure available. Be a
responsible pet owner by keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date.
Once infected, rabies is a virus that has a 100% fatality rate for mammals, including humans,
when left untreated. 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.
DELAWARE COUNTYPUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
99 MAIN STREET, DELHI, NEW YORK 13753
Amanda Walsh, MPH Public Health Director
607-832-5200 Fax 607-832-6021
Early Intervention & Preschool Fax: 607-832-6022
• 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 an unvaccinated pet comes in contact with rabid or suspected rabies 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.
The remaining 2022 rabies clinics are listed below (date, time and location subject to change):
• Hancock-April 19, 2022, 6:45PM-8:45PM @the Town Hall 661 W Main St., Hancock, NY
13783
• Sidney-May 10, 2022 6:30 PM-8:30PM, @the Sidney Fire Hall, 74 River Rd. Sidney, NY
13838
• Arkville- June 8, 2022 4PM-6PM @the Arkville Fire Hall, 43365 NY-28, Arkville, NY 12406
• Franklin- June 15, 2022, 4:45PM-6:45PM @the Franklin Fire Hall 351 Main St., Franklin,
NY 13775
• Deposit- October 4, 2022, 6:45PM-8:45PM @the Town Clerk Building, 3 Elm St, Deposit,
NY 13754
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