HUDSON – Three recent incidents of Columbia County residents coming in contact with rabid raccoons has prompted the county Department of Health to issue a warning to the public. Two of three raccoons tested positive for rabies.
One of the recent exposures resulted in the pet owner’s unvaccinated
indoor cat and her kittens being euthanized.
Officials said as temperatures increase and people spend more time outdoors, the potential for exposure to animals with a high risk of rabies increases as well.
According to state law, dogs, cats and ferrets kept as pets must be immunized against rabies by their owners. Failure to vaccinate pets can result in fines of up to $200.
Animals with a high risk of rabies include raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Any potential rabies exposure to any wild or stray animal should be reported to the Columbia County Health Department. If a bat is found in your sleeping quarters or home, do not attempt to release or kill the bat. Contact the health department for necessary steps to take at 518-828-3358.
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