TOWN OF ROCKLAND – A skunk tested positive for the rabies virus in the Town of Rockland, Sullivan County Public Health Services reported on Friday. This is the third confirmed case of animal rabies in the county this year. The previous two involved a raccoon and a feral cat.
The rabies virus is considered endemic and occurs comply in wild animals
in the state, with the vast majority of rabies cases reported each year
in bats, foxes, skunks and raccons.
Domestic animals account for less than 10 percent of the reported rabies cases, which most often include cats, cattle and dogs.
Health official said pet owners should be sure their dogs, cats and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
If a wild animal is on your property, let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors who are outside. Officials said you may contact a nuisance wildlife control officer who will remove the animal for a fee. If you are being threatened by a wild animal, go inside and call the local police.
