Sullivan County Public Health Services advises residents that a groundhog tests positive for rabies after an attack on an individual in the Town of Cochecton. The person is being treated for exposure to rabies.
For residents who worry about their dogs rabies, the best way to keep them safe is by vaccinating them and keeping their photos up to date. If your animal has been injured by a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian for medical attention.
Director of Public Health, Nancy McGraw said:
Rabies remains a health care provider in Sullivan County. Summer day and warmer weather mean more time spent outside, as well as an increase in the wildlife population. Having some basic security can help protect your family and pets from exposure to the rabies virus. Rabies is a deadly disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and can be transmitted from infected mammals to humans and other mammals. Rabies is most commonly found in raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. Pets can get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect themselves from the disease
People can protect themselves from rabies by following simple guidelines such as, not feeding, touching or adopting wild animals, straying dogs or cats, making sure your pets are informed about vaccinations, keeping and keeping pets indoors at night, and keep lids tightly on trash.
There’s a free Rabies Clinic in the Town of Liberty’s Hanofee Park on Thursday, August 27 from 4pm to 7pm.
For questions or more information, call the Sullivan County Public Health Services at (845) 292-5910.
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