FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2016
Contact: Heather Warner, Health Education Coordinator Tel. (607) 832-5200 | firstname.lastname@example.org
Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies in the Village of Delhi
A skunk has tested positive for rabies in the Village of Delhi, Delaware County. The Skunk was sent to NYS State Rabies Laboratory for testing. The positive test results were received Friday August 5, 2016. There was one human exposure. Public Health is coordinating the Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis treatment the adult will be receiving.
Heather Warner of Public Health warns people not to touch wildlife. Any mammal is able to get rabies, it is very important get your pets vaccinated and not to touch or handle any stray or wild animals including baby animals. If an animal is injured or acting strangely call the DEC.
Once infected, rabies is a virus that has a 100% fatality rate when left untreated, in mammals including humans. Public Health recommends the following precautions to protect yourself and your family from possible exposure to rabies:
- Report any sick or strange acting wildlife
- Vaccinate pets and livestock. New York State law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age. Vaccinating your domestic animal not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.
- Vaccination is also recommended for livestock with frequent human contact.
- Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
- Do not feed strays. According to Public Health Law an owner is defined as any person keeping, harboring, or having charge or control of or permitting any dog, cat or domesticated ferret to remain on or be lodged or fed within such person’s house yard or premises.
- Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting in a strange or unusual manner.
- Report all animal bites and any contact with bats to the Health Department in your county. Human rabies can be prevented after exposure by administering a series of shots.
Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.
- Children should be instructed to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.
- If an unvaccinated pet comes in contact with rabid or suspected rabies the pet must be quarantined for six months.
- Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabies animal must be given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact.
Delaware County Public Health has conducted 13 of the 15 rabies clinics scheduled for 2016. The next scheduled rabies clinics:
Sidney Fire Hall on August 10th, 2016 from 5PM-7PM
Delhi Fire Station on October 19th, 2016 from 6PM-8PM
For a complete listing of the rabies clinics go to www.delawarecountypublichealth.com.
To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832- 5200. For more information call 607-832-5200 or visit our website at www.delawarecountypublichealth.com
Amanda C. Walsh, MPH
Public Health Director
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