What to do if you think you found an animal with rabies

CHENANGO COUNTY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — There are steps you can take if you think you’ve come across a rabid animal.

The Chenango County Public Health Department said on Thursday, Oct. 17, that a skunk found along State Highway 8 in the hamlet of South New Berlin tested positive for rabies.

So it begs the question, what would you do if you had found the skunk?

The county’s public health department has some advice:

• Do not pick up or handle any stray or wild animals.
• Contact the Chenango County Sheriff’s, or the Chenango County Health Department to report animals that are behaving strangely or aggressively.
• Enjoy wildlife from a distance! Do not attempt to feed, approach, or touch wild animals.
• Teach children about the dangers of stray and wild animals.
• DO NOT kill healthy-appearing animals merely due to this warning.
• Report any animal bites and/or scratches to your health care provider or the Chenango County Health Department.
• If your pet or livestock is behaving strangely contact your veterinarian immediately.
• Make sure all your dogs, cats, ferrets, and livestock are vaccinated against rabies.

If you have been scratched or bitten by any animal you should:

1. Wash and rinse the wound thoroughly for several minutes
2. Apply a disinfectant.
3. Seek medical attention immediately.
4. Report the bite/scratch to your health care provider or the county health department

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