Public Health Director Confirms Rabies in Sullivan County Raccoon

A raccoon found dead in Bloomingburg this week tested positive for rabies, county health officials confirmed.

Public Health Director Jill Hubert-Simon said the property owners where the raccoon was found did the right thing by killing it and contacting the health department.

“The raccoon was killed, and the property owners alerted Public Health, just as they should,” said Acting Public Health Director Jill Hubert-Simon. “The head of the raccoon was sent to the State laboratory, where it tested positive for rabies.”

Rabies is common in New York State, mostly in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes and woodchucks, according to health officials. Domestic animals account for less than 10 percent of reported rabies cases, mostly cats, cattle and dogs.

“Wild animals may expose your pets if they are allowed to freely roam on your property in wooded areas,” the county’s health department said in a statement.

The health department said it will work to provide another free rabies clinic in the Bloomingburg area. Residents can check the county website and local media for updates.

In the meantime, here are some ways the county says residents can protect themselves from rabies:

– Keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets act as a barrier between rabid wildlife and humans.

– Don’t attempt to separate fighting animals. Wear gloves when handling your pet after a fight.

– Keep family pets inside at night. Don’t leave pets outside unattended or let them roam free.

– Don’t attract wild animals to your home or yard by keeping your property free of stored bird seed, food garbage or other foods that may attract animals.

– Feed pets indoors.

– Cap or put away garbage cans tightly.

– Board up openings to your attic, basement, porch, and garage.

– Screen your chimney cap.

– Don’t feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or stray cats.

The county also said if someone is bitten by an animal, they should seek treatment and report the contact to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health at 845-292-5910.

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