Bringing home a sick raccoon has led to rabies post exposure treatment for two teenagers in Camden. It is illegal to possess wildlife in NY State and a sick raccoon could easily have either distemper or rabies.
Oneida County Health Department tested 171 animals last year with eight being positive for rabies. Postive animals included four raccoons, a skink, a gray fox and two bats. Seventy people had to have post exposure treatment. A number of pets who were not current on their rabies vaccinations had to be euthanized.
If you find injured or ill wildlife, you should contact the Department of Environmental Conservation. They can put you in touch with the nearest wildlife rehabilitator.
Meanwhile, it is extremely important that your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccine. The next rabies clinic for Oneida County is February 22 from 5 to 7 pm at the Sherrill Community Activity Center. The center is located at 139 East Hamilton Avenue.
The rabies clinics are free, though a $10 donation is requested to help with costs. Make sure your cats and ferrets are in carriers and that dogs are on leash or in carriers.
Madison and Herkimer counties do not have their rabies clinic schedules finalized at this time.
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