WAMPSVILLE >> Following a recent Oneida County report of a skunk testing positive for rabies, residents of Madison County are reminded that several species of wildlife present in Central New York are capable of transmitting rabies, and individuals are encouraged to be sure their family pet is current with their rabies vaccination.
The Madison County Health Department holds rabies clinics between March and December each year where residents can have their dog, cat or ferret vaccinated. New York state law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age.
It is important to remind children to stay away from stray animals, and all persons should be very cautious when “rescuing” stray cats or dogs. Even professionals need to exercise extreme care around stray animals and feral cats, and any pet they are unsure are current with their rabies shots.
Once infected, rabies is a fatal virus in animals and people.
Madison County Health Department recommends these steps to protect yourself and your family from possible exposure to rabies:
*Report all animal bites and any contact with bats to the Health Department in your county. Human rabies can be prevented after exposure by administering a series of shots.
*Children should be instructed to tell an adult immediately if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.
*Report any sick or strange acting wildlife if you feel it has come into contact with a domestic pet, livestock, or a person.
*If you encounter a bat inside your home, and particularly within sleeping quarters, capture the bat and contact your Health Department to make arrangements to submit the bat for rabies testing.
*Vaccinate pets. Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabies animal must be given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact. If an unvaccinated pet comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabies animal, the pet must be quarantined for six months at the owner’s expense.
*Vaccination is also recommended for livestock with frequent human contact. Madison County has previously reported three cases of rabies in cows.
*Do not feed stray animals or wildlife, and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
*Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting in a strange or unusual manner.
*Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside to prevent coming into contact with wild animals most likely to carry the rabies virus, like skunks, raccoons, and foxes.
For information visit www.healthymadisoncounty.org or www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html.
