A rabid raccoon was found in East Islip, New York, and officials are trying to locate an unknown person who may have transported the animal, which could have been exposed to the deadly virus. The Cool Down reported that the Suffolk County Department of Health Services issued the alert after the raccoon was captured. I read the full advisory, which says rabies attacks the central nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.
The county health department is asking anyone who may have moved the raccoon or had direct contact with it to call 311 immediately. Rabies is transmitted through a bite or scratch from an infected animal, and the virus can also enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes. New York state law requires that all domestic animals be vaccinated against rabies, but wildlife such as raccoons cannot be vaccinated in the field.
What this means for New York homeowners
If you live in Suffolk County or anywhere in New York, never touch a wild animal that appears sick, injured, or unusually tame. A rabid raccoon may act aggressively or seem disoriented. Keep your pets vaccinated and supervise them outdoors. If you find a raccoon on your property, do not attempt to move it yourself. Instead, contact local animal control. You can also use best raccoon repellents for gardens and yards to discourage raccoons from settling near your home in the first place.
The health department stresses that rabies is preventable if treatment is given soon after exposure. Anyone who may have been exposed should seek medical care immediately. For more information, visit the Suffolk County health page referenced in the original The Cool Down article.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
