Warm Weather Brings Increased Risk for Rabies

BREWSTER, NY — Rabies is a serious threat to the health of humans and animals and is deadly when left untreated. As the temperature rises, the numbers of rabies cases increase as well. In New York state, more than half of the rabies cases in wild animals are in raccoons, followed by bats, skunks and foxes.

Domesticated animals, such as cats and dogs, can also become sick with rabies. Regular pet vaccination protects them.

So far in 2018, Putnam County health officials have investigated 146 cases and from those four people have needed to undergo rabies treatment.

“Infection occurs when saliva from an infected animal comes in contact with an open wound or bite, or an individual’s eyes, nose or mouth," says interim Commissioner of Health Michael J. Nesheiwat, M.D. "Remember, an animal does not have to look sick to be infected and the only way to tell if an animal has rabies is to test their brain tissue. That is why it is never a good idea to approach a wild or stray animal, no matter how cute.”

Every year, well-meaning residents try to help baby animals they think may have been abandoned. Instead, residents are urged to leave the animal alone, or call a wildlife rehabilitator to see if the animal truly needs assistance. Children should be taught to avoid all wild and stray animals and to tell an adult about any contact with an animal, including an unfamiliar pet.

“While wildlife and feral cats account for a portion of required rabies treatments, the number-one reason for treatments in Putnam County remains bats,” Dr. Nesheiwat said. “If you find a bat in your home, it is important to capture it safely. We are able to test a captured bat for rabies and if it is not infected you can avoid the two-week series of shots.”

To safely capture a bat, watch the popular demo from the New York State Department of Health, available on the Putnam County website.

Other programs to reduce the chance of spreading rabies include the PCDOH pet vaccination clinics and the Feral Cat Task Force. Free vaccination clinics are usually held three times a year—in March, July and November.

The next event will be held at Hubbard Lodge in Cold Spring on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

The Feral Cat Task Force has captured, neutered, vaccinated and returned 31 cats, and adopted or fostered 17 kittens so far in 2018. For people interested in volunteering or making a donation in support of this program, please contact the Health Department at 845-808-1390 ext. 43160.

All animal bites or contact with wild animals should be reported promptly to the PCDOH at 845-808-1390. After hours or on weekends/holidays report the incident by calling the department’s environmental health hotline at 845-808-1390 and press “3.” A representative will promptly return your call. If a family pet encounters a wild animal, avoid immediate handling of your pet, or use rubber gloves and call the health department. Trained personnel will test a wild animal for possible rabies after an incident involving human or pet contact.

Image via Shutterstock