Skunk in Westport tests positive for rabies

ELIZABETHTOWN | A skunk picked up as roadkill in late March by a regional USDA Wildlife Services Specialist in Westport tested positive for rabies. The animal was submitted to Wadsworth Lab for testing as part of ongoing rabies surveillance efforts and results were reported to the Essex County Health Department (ECHD), confirming the first case of rabies in Essex County in 2024. "While there were no known pet, livestock, or human exposures to be concerned about in this case, knowing where rabies cases are occurring in terrestrial wild animals is important for protecting public health," noted Jessica Darney Buehler, Director of Health Planning and Promotion for ECHD. "We work collaboratively with our local animal control officers, NYS DEC Officers, and USDA Wildlife Services Specialists to share surveillance data, which helps us conduct more targeted outreach and prevention efforts, such as free vaccination clinics, community education, and training for summer camp staff," Buehler explained. Public Health Director Linda Beers discussed this latest result in the context of rabies data for 2023. "Last year was a particularly active year for rabies in Essex County," said Beers. "We had 13 confirmed cases in wildlife, mostly in the southeastern portion of the county with the exception of a rabid bat in Elizabethtown. This was the highest number of cases since 2019 and though we do not yet know if 2024 will follow a similar pattern, we remain committed to advocating for more rabies prevention support at the state and federal levels. Gathering and sharing data in real time with our partners helps us build the case for more resources". Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The vast majority of rabies cases occur in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, although any mammal can get rabies. The Health Department offered the following advice: TO PROTECT PETS -Keep pets and livestock up to date with rabies vaccinations; -Attend pets when outside and feed pets inside; -Tightly cap garbage cans, birdseed and other food sources to avoid attracting wild animals to your yard; and -Spay or neuter your pets to reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly; TO PROTECT PEOPLE -Leave all wildlife alone; -If injured by an animal, wash all wounds thoroughly with soap and water; -Seek medical attention, if indicated; -Report animal bites or possible rabies exposures in pets or people to ECHD 518-873-3500. ECHD offers free rabies vaccination clinics several times a year throughout the county. Rabies vaccination is required for all pet dogs, cats, and ferrets by four months of age. The 2024 Rabies Clinic Schedule is available at essexcountyny.gov/health.

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Skunk in Westport tests positive for rabies

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