Second Feral Cat & Raccoon Test Positive for Rabies in Nassau County
Mineola, NY – The Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) has confirmed that a second feral cat, as well as a raccoon, both collected in Valley Stream, have tested positive for rabies. This finding comes after NCDOH previously announced on July 25th that a feral cat collected in Cedarhurst had tested positive for the disease. Residents are advised to avoid contact with wild or feral animals, and to ensure their pets are up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations.
As part of ongoing efforts to protect pets and prevent the spread of rabies, NCDOH, in partnership with the Town of Hempstead and Town of Oyster Bay, will host two free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets:
Saturday, August 24th, 2024
Location: Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, 3320 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 14th, 2024
Location: Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter, 150 Miller Place, Syosset
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Clinics are open to all Nassau County residents. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and cats and ferrets must be in enclosed carriers. It is recommended for dogs, cats, and ferrets older than four months to receive their first two shots one year apart and additional booster shots every three years thereafter.
In addition, NCDOH is advancing plans to distribute rabies vaccine bait in Nassau County as a preventive measure to control rabies among wild animals. Further details on baiting locations and dates will be announced soon.
Rabies is a viral disease that is spread to humans and pets primarily through bites, scratches, or salivary contact from an infected animal. To protect yourself from possible exposure to rabies:
- Don't feed or touch wild animals, stray cats, or dogs.
- Ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations, including dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and livestock. Pets too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors and allowed outside only under direct observation.
- Keep family pets indoors at night. Don't leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.
- Do not feed unknown animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
- Advise your family against approaching any unknown animal – wild or domestic – especially those acting unusually.
- If a wild animal is on your property, let it wander away and bring children and pets indoors. You may contact a nuisance wildlife control expert who will remove the animal for a fee.
- Do not touch dying or dead animals. If you must move them, use a shovel, wear heavy rubber gloves, and double bag the carcass.
Individuals bitten or scratched by any animal should seek immediate medical care and then call NCDOH at 516-227-9663 or 516-742-6154 afterhours, including weekends. No human cases of rabies have been reported in Nassau County due to the availability and effectiveness of immediate post-exposure prophylaxis treatment.
Residents should report if their pets have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal to NCDOH. Residents are also asked to report any dead, sick, or abnormal acting animals by emailing rabies@nassaucountyny.gov for possible collection and rabies testing.
For additional information on rabies visit the Nassau County Department of Health website here.