UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Two animals have tested positive for rabies in Oneida County over the last day, according to the Oneida County Health Department.
According to the department, a raccoon in Utica and a skunk in Remsen were both sent to the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center in Albany on Tuesday, October 31. Both tests came back positive on Wednesday, November 1.
According to the county Department of Health, no human exposure to either animal have been reported.
The Health Department warned residents to keep watch of the signs of rabies, which include:
- The animal acting strangely, mad, or shy,
- The animal getting unusually close
- The animal foaming or drooling from the mouth.
The department warned residents to stay away from any wild or stray animals. If, despite your best efforts, you are bitten or come into contact with saliva, seek medical attention and contact the Oneida County Health Department to determine next steps
The Health Department also warned people that it is New York State law that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies. Unvaccinated pets in contact with wildlife that is suspected or confirmed to be infected must be euthanized or strictly quarantined at the owner’s expense.
For more information on rabies prevention, you are encouraged to visit the county’s website at ocgov.net/rabies. If you have questions or are concerned about a possible exposure, you are asked to contact the Oneida County Health Department 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 315-798-5064.
