BLOOMINGBURG, NY – Sullivan County Department of Public Health has confirmed that a raccoon killed in the Bloomingburg area this week tested positive for the rabies virus.

“The raccoon was killed, and the property owners alerted Public Health, just as they should,” said Acting Public Health Director Jill Hubert-Simon. “The head of the raccoon was sent to the State laboratory, where it tested positive for rabies.”

Rabies occurs commonly throughout New York State, with the vast majority of cases occurring in wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and woodchucks. Domestic animals account for less than 10% 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.  

Public Health will be working to provide another free clinic in the Bloomingburg area; please check the County website and local media outlets for updates. 

What Can People Do to Protect Themselves Against Rabies?

Be sure your pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid wildlife and humans. Protect them, and you protect yourself and your family. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your pets are fully vaccinated.

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.

What if Someone Is Bitten?

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

Seek treatment for all animal bites and report contact with wild animals to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health at (845) 292-5910. 

If you can safely do so, don’t let an animal escape that has possibly exposed someone to rabies. Depending on the species, it can be observed or tested for rabies to avoid the need for rabies treatment for people, or to avoid euthanizing and testing exposed unvaccinated pets.

This also includes bats, as bats can be difficult to keep out of buildings because they can get through cracks as small as a pencil. Methods to keep bats out (bat proofing) of homes and summer camps should be done during the fall and winter. If bats are already inside (e.g. in an attic or other areas), consult with your local authorities about humane ways to remove them. Bats have small, sharp teeth and in certain circumstances, people can be bitten and not know it.  

For more information, please contact the Disease Surveillance and Investigation Department of Sullivan County Public Health at 845-292-5910.