Lengthy Island officers issued a well being warning after a rabid raccoon was discovered on the border of Nassau and Suffolk counties — the fifth case within the area this 12 months alone.
The newest contaminated creature was discovered useless in North Amityville on Might 6. Earlier than Jan. 28 of this 12 months, Suffolk had not confirmed a rabid raccoon case since 2009, in accordance with the county’s Division of Well being.
“We continue to conduct increased raccoon surveillance particularly in western Suffolk County as we prepare to conduct an oral rabies vaccine baiting campaign to begin later this year,” well being Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott stated.
“We prepare to conduct an oral rabies vaccine baiting campaign to begin later this year,” Pigott went on. “We encourage residents to continue to remain vigilant and report sick or dead raccoons to us.”
A two-week-long oral bait drop was carried out in Nassau County, which focused Amityville’s surrounding areas of Massapequa, Farmingdale and Bethpage.
It additionally focused well-liked wilderness trails just like the Massapequa Protect and Bethpage State Park.
The bait was additionally positioned in Nassau cities close to the Queens border.
Previous to the latest discovery, a rabid raccoon was additionally found in Amityville in April, prompting Pigott to say officers have been “very concerned” in regards to the unfold.
Suffolk residents who discover a useless raccoon within the surrounding cities of Babylon, Huntington, Islip, and Smithtown are inspired to name the county at 631-852-5900.
