A raccoon in North Amityville, Suffolk County, recently tested positive for rabies, marking the first confirmed case outside of bats in 15 years. This incident follows at least eight other rabid animals, including raccoons and cats, found in neighboring Nassau County since last July. Local residents have noted unusual behavior from raccoons recently, raising alarm. Health officials are urging enhanced surveillance and encouraging residents to vaccinate their pets and be cautious around wildlife. Rabies, typically transmitted through bites or scratches, can be fatal if not treated promptly.
I am very concerned about the spread of terrestrial rabies into Suffolk County. We have greatly enhanced our surveillance of terrestrial rabies since learning of raccoon rabies cases in Nassau County.
There was no known animal contact with the raccoon found rabid in Suffolk. Rabies is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals.
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