LIBERTY, NY – Sullivan County Public Health Services is advising the public that a groundhog (woodchuck) tested positive for rabies after attacking an individual in the Town of Cochecton near Lake Huntington. The person is being treated for rabies exposure.
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LIBERTY, NY – Sullivan County Public Health Services is advising the public that a groundhog (woodchuck) tested positive for rabies after attacking an individual in the Town of Cochecton near Lake Huntington. The person is being treated for rabies exposure.
“Rabies continues to be a health concern in Sullivan County. Summer and warmer weather mean more time spent outdoors as well as an increase in the wild animal population,” said public health director Nancy McGraw. “With a few basic safeguards, you can help protect your family and pets from being exposed to the rabies virus. Rabies is a deadly disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord, and can be transmitted from infected mammals to humans and other mammals. Rabies is most commonly found in raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes. Pets can get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect them from the disease.”
The best way to keep pets safe from rabies is to get them vaccinated and keep their shots up to date. If your pet is injured by a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian to get medical attention. Even if your pet has been vaccinated, a booster dose of rabies vaccine may be needed within five days of the incident. Pets that are too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors and allowed outside only under direct supervision. Contact your local health department to determine what follow-up may be needed.
People can also help protect themselves from rabies by observing the following guidelines:
For questions or more information, call Sullivan County Public Health Services at 845/292-5910; after hours, ask for the on-call Communicable Disease Control nurse.
Public health is sponsoring a free Rabies Clinic at the Town of Liberty’s Hanofee Park on Thursday, August 27. Between 4 and 7 p.m., registrants can have their dogs, cats and/or ferrets vaccinated against rabies.
Pre-registration is required at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Rabies-Clinic-Registration-August-27-2020. Anyone without an appointment will not be served.
The clinic is open to Sullivan County residents only, who must wear masks at the event. Proof of identification will be required.
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