In a Long Island town, officials have discovered their sixth rabid raccoon since January, raising alarms because the last reported case was in 2009.
This latest raccoon was spotted near the Nassau County border in Amityville, Suffolk County.
“That’s definitely concerning,” noted Suffolk Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Piggott on Tuesday.
He pointed out that more people are outdoors now, mingling and letting pets roam, which increases chances of encounters with wildlife.
The most recent rabies case was reported on May 10, just four days after another resident noticed a sick raccoon outside, according to the Suffolk County Health Department.
Authorities have been capturing and testing raccoons for this dangerous disease.
Rabid raccoons have primarily appeared in residential neighborhoods just north or slightly south of Sunrise Highway since January 28. Some were found in backyards, while others were along the roads.
A solitary bat has also been seen in Suffolk earlier this year.
So far this year, no rabid animals have been identified in Nassau County, although several were found there last year.
Residents are encouraged to watch for raccoons that seem disoriented, walk in circles, or show unusual aggression. Pet owners should ensure their animals are vaccinated against rabies.
Generally, raccoons tend to avoid human contact. If they seem aggressive or eager to approach, that’s a warning sign.
Suffolk County, in collaboration with the USDA, plans to distribute oral rabies vaccines in the Amityville area at the end of summer.
According to Piggott, waiting a few months is strategic.
“Late August or September is optimal. At that point, there are baby raccoons that need to learn how to forage, making them more independent,” he explained.
Oral bait will be contained in small packets that resemble ketchup, disguised in a fish-shaped “big biscuit.”
This initiative aims to enhance the reach of the rabies control efforts, he added.
