According to a media release, The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) has found that a skunk located on Second Street has been determined to be rabid by the New York State Rabies Laboratory. The skunk was been observed on Cascadilla Street on Aug. 19 and again on Second Street on Aug. 20., before being captured by Tompkins County Animal Control. Anyone who has questions or thinks they or a pet may have come in contact with it should contact the Tompkins County Health Department at (607) 274-6688.

Since rabies is normally transmitted by the bite of a wild or domestic rabid animal, exposure can occur if saliva from a rabid animal enters the body through a mucous membrane, a wound that bled within that bled in the last 24 hours prior to exposure or an older wound showing signs of infection. TCHD advises people to not handle pets or objects contaminated with the saliva from a potentially rabid animal unless they are wearing protective gloves. After handling the item or pet, wash your hands vigorously with soap and water if you don’t want to touch the saliva.