Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Bloomville

A second raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Delaware County.  This is the second animal testing positive for rabies in 2014, according to Heather Warner, Health Education Coordinator for Delaware County Public Health Services. A dog owner in the Bloomville reported that her dog and the raccoon were fighting, which resulted in the death of the raccoon.  The raccoon was sent to NYS State Rabies Laboratory for testing.  The positive test results were received Friday, April 25, 2014. There was no human exposure.  The dog was up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations and was given a booster after the incident.

Once infected, rabies is a virus that has 100% fatality rate in all mammals, including humans.  Public Health recommends the following precautions to protect yourself and your family from possible exposure to rabies:

• Report any sick or strange acting wildlife
• Vaccinate pets and livestock.  New York State law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age.  Vaccinating your domestic animal not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.
• Vaccination is also recommended for livestock with frequent human contact.
• Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
• Do not feed strays.  According to Public Health Law an owner is defined as any person keeping, harboring, or having charge or control of or permitting any dog, cat or domesticated ferret to remain on or be lodged or fed within such person’s house yard or premises.
• Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Report all animal bites and any contact with bats to the Health Department in your county.  Human rabies can be prevented after exposure by administering a series of shots. 
• Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.
• Children should be instructed to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.
• If an unvaccinated pet comes in contact with rabid or suspected rabies the pet must be quarantined for six months.
• Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabies animal must be given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact.

The remaining rabies clinics are as follows:

Tuesday, May 6, 2014 from 4PM-6PM at Brookside Veterinary Hospital, Arkville, NY

Wednesday May 14, 2014 from 4PM-6PM at Pindars Corners Fire Department

Friday May 23, 2014 from 5PM-7PM at Roxbury Town Garage

Friday June 6, 2014 from 5PM-7PM at the Masonville Fire Hall

Wednesday June 11, 2014 from 6PM-8PM at the Walton Town Highway Garage

Friday June 13, 2014 from 5PM-7PM at the Tompkins Town Highway Garage

Wednesday July 9, 2014 from 6PM-8PM at the Deposit Town Clerk Building

Monday July 21, 2014 from 6PM-8PM at the Sidney Fire Hall

Wednesday August 6, 2014 from 4PM-6PM at the Franklin Fire Hall

Wednesday October 15, 2014 from 6PM-8PM at Delhi Fire Hall

**This is a complete listing of the remaining rabies clinics for 2014**

To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832-5200.  For more information call 607-832-5200 or visit our website at www.delawarecountypublichealth.com

Arkville Rabies Clinc

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets on Tuesday May 6, 2014 from 4PM-6PM at the Brookside Vet Hospital, 42981 St. Hwy 28 Arkville, NY 12406.

Please not there will not be a rabies clinic in Fleischmanns.

• It's the law!  Every dog and cat must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Cats and Dogs can get their first rabies vaccine at 3 months of age.
• Proof of previous rabies vaccination must be presented to receive a 3 year booster.
• Dogs must be on leash & under proper control.  Cats and Ferrets should be in a carrying case.
• Local organizations have volunteered their facilities for your convenience.  It is your responsibility to clean up after your pet.  It's the law, you can be fined.
• Vet only available at the advertised time-no earlier

For questions or more information call 607-832-5200.

Stamford Rabies Clinic

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets on Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 from 6PM-8PM at the Stamford Village Garage 22D RailRoad Ave, Stamford, NY 12167

• It's the law!  Every dog and cat must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Cats and Dogs can get their first rabies vaccine at 3 months of age.
• Proof of previous rabies vaccination must be presented to receive a 3 year booster.
• Dogs must be on leash & under proper control.  Cats and Ferrets should be in a carrying case.
• Local organizations have volunteered their facilities for your convenience.  It is your responsibility to clean up after your pet.  It's the law, you can be fined.
• Vet only available at the advertised time-no earlier

For questions or more information call 607-832-5200.

National Rx Drug Take Back Day

 On April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its eighth opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Bring your pills for disposal to Delaware County Sheriff's Office at 280 Phoebe Lane, Delhi, NY 13753.  (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.)  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.  
Most abused prescription drugs come from family and friends. You could be a drug dealer and not even know it.