JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — Another case of rabies has surfaced in Sullivan County, this time in the Town of Callicoon. According to Sullivan County Public Health Services, this marks the fourth case of rabies to surface in the county this year. The other cases, three foxes and a cat, were identified in July.

This time the rabid animal was a skunk, but the virus occurs in many different animals, including bats, foxes and woodchucks, and is considered endemic in New York State.

To protect against rabies, be sure that dogs, cats and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid wildlife and humans. Protect them, and you protect yourself and family. Vaccines for dogs, cats and ferrets over three months of age are effective for a one-year period. Revaccinations are effective for up to three years. Pets too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors.

Don’t try to separate two fighting animals. Wear gloves if you handle your pet after a fight. Keep family pets indoors at night. Don’t 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, food garbage or other foods that may attract animals. Feed pets indoors. Tightly cap or put away garbage cans. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap your chimney with screens. Don’t feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or stray cats.

Encourage children to tell an adult immediately if they are bitten by any animal. Tell children not to touch any animal except their own.

If a wild animal is on your property, let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors who are outside. If you can safely do so, don’t let an animal escape that has bitten and possibly exposed someone or a family pet to rabies. Depending on the species, it can be observed or tested for rabies in order to avoid the need for rabies treatment for people, or to avoid euthanization or prolonged quarantined observation periods for exposed pets.

Seek treatment for all animal bites and report contact with wild animals to Sullivan County Public Health Services at 845/292-5910. Someone is always on call and available after business hours.