A rabid raccoon was discovered in the town of Pamelia in Watertown, New York. The Jefferson County Public Health Service reported that the raccoon tested positive for rabies after being submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Fortunately, no humans or pets were exposed to the rabid animal.
Rabies is a deadly disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, with symptoms appearing weeks to months after exposure. Early treatment following exposure can prevent the onset of rabies in both humans and pets who have been vaccinated. While any mammal can contract rabies, it is commonly found in bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Animals that have rabies may not exhibit aggressive behavior, but changes in their behavior can signal the presence of the disease. To prevent the spread of rabies, it is important to take precautions such as teaching children to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, keeping pet food indoors, and washing any wounds from animal encounters thoroughly.
It is also crucial for pet owners to ensure their pets are up to date on their vaccinations. Jefferson County Public Health Service is hosting a rabies vaccination clinic at Jefferson County Dog Control on June 20th from 5 to 7 p.m. More information can be found on their website at www.jcphs.org. If a pet is involved in an altercation with a wild animal, avoid getting in between them, wear gloves, cover the pet with a towel, and contact a veterinarian immediately.
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