Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Callicoon Area, Public Health Officials Urge Caution

(June 23, 2025) — The Sullivan County Department of Public Health has confirmed that a raccoon found near the hamlet of Callicoon,NY,  has tested positive for the rabies virus, prompting renewed warnings about wildlife contact and the importance of pet vaccinations.

“Rabies is not a rare disease within Sullivan County wildlife,” said Dr. Jessie Moore, Director of Public Health. “On average, we see four to five animals test positive for rabies each year.”

The virus, which is fatal if not treated promptly, remains a persistent threat across New York State. While rabies is most commonly found in wild animals—such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and woodchucks—domestic animals, including cats, dogs, and cattle, account for less than 10% of reported cases.

Officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to reduce risk:

Avoid contact with wild animals and stray pets.

Ensure pets are current on rabies vaccinations—a critical line of defense between humans and infected wildlife.

Keep pets indoors at night and never leave them unattended outside.

Secure garbage and food scraps to avoid attracting wild animals.

Never approach or attempt to feed wild or stray animals.

The Department of Public Health is working to organize a free rabies vaccination clinic in the Callicoon area. In the meantime, the next scheduled clinic will be held at Hanofee Park in Liberty on August 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

If a person is bitten or scratched by an animal, or if there is possible exposure to a bat, they should immediately report it to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health at 845-292-5910. Children should be encouraged to report any animal bites or unusual animal encounters right away.

“Rabies is 100% preventable with timely medical care,” added Dr. Moore, “but it is also 100% fatal if ignored.”

For more information about rabies, vaccinations, or how to safely remove bats from a building, contact Sullivan County Public Health’s Disease Surveillance and Investigation Department at 845-292-5910.