POND EDDY – Sullivan County Public Health Services has confirmed that a raccoon killed in the Pond Eddy area tested positive for the rabies virus.
The vast majority of rabies cases occur in wild animals including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks and woodchucks. Domestic animals account for less than 10 percent of the reported rabies cases, which most often include cats, cattle and dogs.
Wild animals may expose your pets if they are allowed to freely roam on your property in wooded areas.
Pets should be vaccinated for rabies. Dogs, cats and ferrets over three months old should be vaccinated and they are effective for up to three years. Pets too young for vaccinations should be kept inside.
Health officials say don’t try to separate two fighting animals. Wear gloves if you handle your pet after a fight.
Don’t feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or stray cats. People who have been bitten should immediately report contact with wild animals to Sullivan County Health Services at 845-292-5910.
