Health officials in Oswego County, NY are reporting that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Scriba.
There was no known contact between the raccoon and either humans or pets.
This is the ninth rabid animal confirmed in Oswego County this year. Seven raccoons and two skunks have already been found throughout the county, a reminder to all residents of the risk of rabies.
“New York State Public Health Law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies,” said Oswego County Director of Environmental Health Judith Grandy. “Pet owners need to make sure that their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.”
Dogs, cats and ferrets should receive their first rabies vaccine at three months of age. Dogs and cats require a second vaccination within one year of the first, and every three years thereafter. Ferrets must be vaccinated annually.
Pet owners need to show that their pet was previously vaccinated to receive the three-year booster shot. They should bring their pet’s last rabies vaccination certificate with them.
The Oswego County Health Department holds immunization clinics throughout the county to help meet this need in the community. The next rabies clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Town Highway Garage, 46 County Route 11, West Monroe.
Rabies clinics continue at the following locations this year:
- Granby: Wednesday, July 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Town Highway Garage, 820 Co Rte 8
- Volney: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 6 to 8 p.m., Bristol Hill Landfill Maintenance Garage, 3125 NYS Rte 3
- Pulaski: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6 to 8 p.m., County Highway Garage, 957 Centerville Rd
- Scriba: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 6 to 8 p.m., County Highway Garage, 31 Schaad Dr
The health department suggests a $7 donation per animal to help cover the cost of the rabies clinics, but no one will be turned away. Dogs should be leashed. Cats and ferrets should be in a carrier. Please leave sick pets at home. The vaccine is also available from a veterinarian.
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