LIBERTY, NY — The Sullivan County Department of Public Health has confirmed that a raccoon found in the Wurtsboro area of the Town of Mamakating tested positive for rabies. This marks the third confirmed case this year involving a rabid animal that came into contact with a person.
Rabies is present throughout New York State, most commonly found in raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and woodchucks. Health officials stress that avoiding contact with wild animals is the most effective way to prevent infection. Rabies is fatal if not promptly treated after exposure.
Signs of Rabies in Animals
Wild animals infected with rabies may display:
- Aggressive or unusual behavior, including attacking people or objects
- Lack of fear of humans or overly friendly behavior
- Difficulty walking, staggering, or paralysis
- Trouble swallowing, fear of water, or drooling/foaming at the mouth
Vaccination Clinics
The Department of Public Health is planning another free rabies vaccination clinic in the Wurtsboro area, with details to be announced soon. A regularly scheduled clinic will also be held on Tuesday, October 8, at the Monticello Firehouse on Richardson Avenue from 6–7:30 p.m. The clinic is free for Sullivan County residents, and no registration is required. Pet owners must bring ID and keep dogs, cats, and ferrets on leashes or in carriers.
How to Protect Against Rabies
- Keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations; young pets too small for vaccination should be kept indoors.
- Do not handle or feed wild animals, stray dogs, or stray cats.
- Keep pets indoors at night and do not let them roam unsupervised.
- Avoid trying to separate fighting animals; wear gloves if handling pets afterward.
- Secure garbage, pet food, and other items that may attract wildlife. Seal openings in homes, garages, or attics, and cap chimneys with screens.
What to Do if Bitten
- Children should immediately report any animal bite to an adult.
- Seek medical treatment right away and report all wild animal contact to Sullivan County Public Health at 845-292-5910.
- If safe, prevent the animal that may have exposed someone to rabies from escaping. This includes bats, which can enter buildings through tiny gaps and bite without leaving obvious marks.
For more information, residents can call the Disease Surveillance and Investigation Department of Sullivan County Public Health at 845-292-5910 or visit sullivanny.gov/publichealth/epidemiology.