Two Raccoons Test Positive for Rabies in Lewis County

LOWVILLE, NY- Lewis County Public Health has been notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory that two raccoons have tested positive for rabies; one in the Town of Turin and one in the Town of West Turin. There was no human or domestic animal contact with either raccoon.

Lewis County Public Health reminds all Lewis County residents and those that visit our county that rabies is a very serious and deadly disease affecting the central nervous system. It can be transmitted from infected animals to humans if they are exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal through a bite or scratch. It is also possible for a person to have contact with a bat and not know it while asleep, therefore all bats that are found in the room of a sleeping person or small child should be captured and tested for rabies. To view a video on how to safely capture a bat, please visit: https://youtu.be/_YhnV5WJQBA.

It is very important for people and their pets to avoid direct contact with wild animals, particularly if the animals are behaving abnormally, and ensure your pets are up to date with rabies vaccinations. The next rabies clinics will be scheduled in May at multiple locations throughout the county. Exact dates and locations will be published when confirmed. For more information about rabies, call Lewis County Public Health at 315-376-5453.