To date we have had 30 cases of confirmed positive rabies animals in Westchester, NY. Last year at this time we had 20 cases. Currently, Westchester has the highest rate of rabies in the state! Some of the confirmed positive animals have been in our immediate area. For example, a rabid woodchuck in Bedford, a rabid kitten in Mount Pleasant, a skunk in Sleepy Hollow and Briarcliff as well as a rabid woodchuck in Ossining.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus that lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies is spread mainly through bites from infected animals. The virus can also be spread by scratches and contact with an infected animal’s saliva. The virus can be in the body for weeks or months before signs develop. Rabies is mainly carried by wildlife, but that does not mean that your household pet cannot be a carrier of rabies. The most common carriers of rabies are racoons, foxes, bats and skunks.
What are the signs of rabies?
Most rabid animals will show signs of central nervous system disorder. The most common sign is a sudden change in behaviour and paralysis. Some of the common behavioural changes can include sudden aggressiveness, loss of appetite, drooling, and sometimes they animals can become overly friendly. Wild animals sometimes lose their fear of humans. Animals that are nocturnal (night) animals can often be seen wondering around in the daytime.
How to do to protect your pet
VACCINATE your pets for rabies!! Under New York State law, dogs, cats and ferrets must receive their first rabies vaccination by the time they are four months old. A second rabies shot must be given within one year of the first vaccination with additional booster shots given every one or three years after that, depending on the vaccine used. Owners who fail to keep their pets current on their rabies vaccination may be fined up to $1,000.
What to do if you’re pet comes in contact with a rabies suspicious animal?
Wear gloves when handling your pet during and after an encounter with a wild animal or other suspect animal. If you or your pet is exposed to a suspected rabid animal, keep that animal in sight until the police or a licensed trapper. A vaccinated pet that is exposed to rabies must receive a rabies booster dose within 5 days of the event to be protected. An unvaccinated or overdue pet exposed to rabies must be placed in a strict quarantine for 6 months or euthanized.
What to do if you have a bat in your house?
One should try to catch it and have it sent off to be tested. There is short video on the Westchester county health department website on how to safely catch a bat. One can also call a licenced trapper.
Rabies has become a very serious issue in our area! Please make sure your pets are up to date on their vaccinations. Always walk your dog on a leash and try to keep your cats indoor (especially at night.) I also do not recommend feeding wildlife as that will entice them to stay around your home. If you have any questions you can call the Westchester County Health Department or visit their website at www.westchestergov.com/health.
