Amityville, Long Island, has seen an alarming increase in rabid raccoons, with six cases reported this year alone. This uptick is significant as the last occurrence was in 2009. Residents are urged to be vigilant, especially since more people and pets are outside. The Suffolk Health Commissioner has emphasized the importance of rabies vaccinations for pets. An oral rabies vaccine bait drop is scheduled for late summer to tackle the issue strategically during the raccoons' breeding period. Public safety measures and awareness are crucial amid these health concerns.
"I think that's a concern there," Suffolk Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott told The Post on Tuesday. "People are outside more... It's more opportunity to interact with wildlife."
"Residents should look for a raccoon that appears disoriented, is walking in circles or is more aggressive than usual," he said, urging pet owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated.
Suffolk is coordinating an oral rabies vaccine bait drop for the area around Amityville... The best time to do it, the USDA says, is in late August or September.
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