Rabid raccoon found in Watertown according to public health

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – Jefferson County Public Health said that a rabid racoon was found in the town of Watertown.

Public Health said the animal was submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday and it tested positive for rabies.

The county’s public health department said no animals were exposed.

Rabies is a fatal disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. It can take several weeks to several months for rabies symptoms to appear. Early treatment after an exposure can prevent rabies in humans and in pets who are up to date on vaccination. Any mammal can get rabies, but it is most often seen in bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Animals do not have to be aggressive or behave erratically to have rabies. Changes in any animal’s normal behavior can be early signs of rabies.

There have been cases of the disease reported in Jefferson County. Avoid contact with unknown animals, including possible stray pets, as they may not have been vaccinated against rabies.

Here are some tips that can help curb the spread of rabies:

• 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.

Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties are all currently doing bait drops in the region to help deal with the spread of the disease.

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