Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Lewis County

LOWVILLE, N.Y. (WWTI) – Lewis County Public Health officials announced that t a raccoon in the Town of Lowville has tested positive for rabies.

According to public health officials, it is the fourth raccoon to test positive in Lewis County this year, the other three located in the Towns of Lewis and New Bremen. However, there has been no reported human or animal contact.

Lewis County Public Health reminds all county residents and visitors that rabies is a very serious and deadly disease affecting the central nervous system. It can be transmitted from infected animals to humans if they are exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal through a bite or scratch.

Here are some steps that can help stem the spread of the disease:

• Teach children to stay away from unfamiliar animals, either wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Remind them to tell you if they have any unusual contact with an animal.
• Do not leave pet food outside as it attracts wildlife to your home.
• Wash any wound from an animal encounter thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Be a responsible pet owner by keeping your pet’s vaccinations current – even strictly indoor pets. Getting your pet vaccinated by your vet or at a clinic (Petco, Tractor Supply and Pet Supplies Plus offer rabies vaccination clinics) can help stop the spread of rabies from wild animals to humans. JCPHS is hosting a rabies vaccination clinic on Thursday, June 20 5–7p.m. at Jefferson County Dog Control. Visit www.jcphs.org for more information.
• Monitor your pet when they are outside. If your pet is involved in an altercation with a wild
  animal, do not get in between them. Do not touch your pet without gloves as rabies is spread through saliva. Cover your pet with a towel and contact your vet as your pet may need a booster shot.

For information on upcoming rabies vaccination clinics, check the Lewis County Public Health App.

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