Nassau County warns residents about spread of rabies among raccoons and cats
NASSAU COUNTY (WABC) -- Nassau County officials are warning residents about an uptick of rabies cases in the area.
The county's Department of Health issued a formal declaration of an imminent public health threat in response to the ongoing spread of rabies among wild and feral-domesticated animals.
Rabies has been found in at least 25 animals since July of last year, including mostly raccoons and three feral cats.
The cases mark a significant resurgence of rabies, which had previously been eradicated in Nassau County in 2016 following aggressive control efforts.
"The resurgence of rabies in Nassau County, with its high population density and after nearly a decade of absence, represents a serious and evolving public health concern," said Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman. "This declaration allows us to respond to prevent further spread and protect the health and safety of Nassau County residents."
Gelman explained what could be causing the uptick in cases.
"When you stop actively baiting and preventing along that Nassau-Queens border, that might be one of the contributing variables for seeing some resurgence," Gelman said.
Health Department officials say that they will continue their Racoon Rabies Control Program this fall. The program uses oral rabies vaccine baits placed across the County to immunize raccoons, the primary wildlife vector for rabies in the region.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
- Do not feed or touch wild animals, stray cats, or dogs, and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
- Ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations, including dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and livestock. Pets too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors and allowed outside only under direct observation.
- Keep family pets indoors at night. Do not leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.
- Advise your family against approaching any unknown animal - wild or domestic - especially those acting abnormally.
- If a wild animal is on your property, immediately bring children and pets indoors and let it wander away. You may contact a nuisance wildlife control expert who will remove the animal for a fee.
- Do not touch dying or dead animals. If you must move them, use a shovel, wear heavy rubber gloves, double bag the carcass, and place it in your outdoor trash can.
Rabies is a viral disease that is spread to humans and pets primarily through bites, scratches, or salivary contact to open wounds, eyes, nose, or mouth, from an infected animal.
Any individual bitten or scratched by an animal should seek immediate medical care and then call NCDOH at 516-227-9663 (or 516-742-6154 afterhours, including weekends). No human cases of rabies have been reported in Nassau County to date due to the availability and effectiveness of immediate post-exposure prophylaxis treatment.
Residents should report if their pets have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal to NCDOH. Residents are also asked to report any dead, sick, or abnormal acting animals by emailing rabies@nassaucountyny.gov for possible collection and rabies testing.
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