Niagara County Department of Health confirms 2 cases of rabies in raccoons

Submitted by the Niagara County Department of Health

The Niagara County Department of Health has received confirmation of two positive rabies cases involving raccoons in the towns of Cambria and Hartland. Samples were submitted to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center on Jan. 14, and positive results were confirmed Jan. 15.

The first confirmed case involved a raccoon encounter Jan. 8 on Shawnee Road in Cambria. Two dogs were involved in the incident. As both were up to date with their rabies vaccinations, they will receive booster shots as a precaution. There was one human with possible secondary contact. Following evaluation, it was determined no human post-exposure treatment is indicated at this time.

The second confirmed case occurred Jan. 10 on Wheeler Road in Hartland. Three dogs were involved in this encounter. All three pets were up to date on their rabies vaccinations and will receive boosters. There were three humans with possible secondary contact. Following evaluation, it was determined no human post-exposure treatment is indicated for these individuals.

Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Niagara County. Bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes are all common wildlife carriers of the virus.

Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal to unvaccinated animals. A rabid animal can shed the virus through direct contact even before symptoms appear, and rabies can only be confirmed by submitting a laboratory sample.

The NCDOH reminds Niagara County residents of the following precautions to prevent exposure to rabies from wildlife and domestic animals:

•Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or feral cats.

•Be sure your dogs and cats are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets serve as a crucial buffer between rabid wildlife and humans, significantly reducing your risk of exposure. Dogs and cats that receive their first rabies vaccine are protected for one year. A dog or cat’s second and subsequent vaccinations will protect it from rabies for up to three years. Pets too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors. By law, all cats, dogs and ferrets must have current rabies vaccinations from 4 months of age and on. The Niagara County Department of Health conducts free rabies clinics. Dates are posted on our website as clinics are scheduled.

•Keep family pets indoors at night. Do not leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.

•Don’t attract wild animals to your home or yard. Keep your property free of stored bird seed, pet food, or other attractants. Feed pets indoors. Tightly cover or put away garbage cans. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap your chimney with screens.

•Encourage children to immediately tell adults if they are bitten by any animals. Tell children not to touch any animals they do not know.

•If a wild animal is on your property, let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors who are outside. You may contact a nuisance wildlife control officer who will remove the animal for a fee; or if there is danger, you can call your local law enforcement agency.

•If your pet has been in a fight with another animal, wear gloves to handle it. Isolate it from other animals and people for several hours. Call your veterinarian. Your vaccinated pet will need a booster dose of rabies vaccine within five days of the exposure. Unvaccinated animals exposed to a known or suspected rabid animal must be confined for six months or humanely euthanized.

For further information on rabies or to report an animal bite or contact with wild animals, call the Niagara County Department of Health environmental division at 716-439-7444 or visit www.niagaracounty.gov/health.