Feral cat tests positive for rabies in Nassau County

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — The Nassau County Department of Health on Friday announced that a feral cat on Long Island tested positive for rabies.

Analysis performed by the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory was collected in Cedarhurst by the Town of Hempstead. This marks the first reported case of rabies in Nassau County since 2016, when a raccoon was identified with the disease, officials said.

"We urge all residents to avoid contact with feral and wild animals and to ensure their pets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations," Nassau Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman said. "The detection of rabies in our county after several years of no reported cases is a stark reminder of the ongoing risk, and it’s crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our community."

In an effort to protect our pets and prevent the spread of rabies, Nassau County Department of Health has partnered with the Town of Hempstead to offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets.

The vaccination clinic will be open to all Nassau County residents on Saturday, Aug. 24th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter located at 3320 Beltagh Ave. in Wantagh.

"The Town of Hempstead is proud to partner with Nassau County for this rabies clinic, which will help not only safeguard our pets but also shield our communities from a deadly and preventable disease," Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said.

Rabies is a viral disease that is spread to humans and pets primarily through bites, scratches, or salivary contact from an infected animal.

To protect yourself from exposure to possible rabies:

· Don't feed or touch wild animals, stray cats, or dogs.

· 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. Don't leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.

· Do not feed unknown animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.

· Advise your family against approaching any unknown animal – wild or domestic – especially those acting unusually.

· If a wild animal is on your property, let it wander away and bring children and pets indoors. 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 and double bag the carcass.

New York State law requires all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies.

If a pet that's unvaccinated or overdue for its vaccination comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be euthanized or strictly quarantined for up to six months.

If a vaccinated animal comes into contact with a wild animal, it needs only a booster vaccination which must be administered within five days of exposure.

Anyone bitten or scratched by any animal should immediately contact their physicians or seek medical help at a hospital emergency room and then call the Nassau County Department of Health at 516-227-9663.

Additionally, residents are asked to report any dead, sick, or abnormal acting animals by emailing rabies@nassaucountyny.gov for possible collection and rabies testing.

For additional information on rabies visit the Nassau County Department of Health website here .