A bat has tested positive for rabies in New York Mills. The bat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on November 26, 2024 and positive results were reported on November 27, 2024. One person was exposed to the bat and received post exposure prophylaxis.
Most bats do not have rabies; however, they are the leading cause of rabies deaths in the United States. Bats can sometimes enter homes through cracks or small holes. It is important to bat proof your home to prevent them from entering. Bat bites or scratches can be undetectable, and it is possible to be exposed without knowing. If you find one in your home, you should try to safely capture it so it can be tested and contact the health department for guidance. For helpful tips on how to protect yourself and your home from rabies and bats, visit https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/animals/bats/index.html.
Signs of rabies include:
- Animal acting strangely
- Animal acting mad
- Animal acting shy
- Animal getting unusually close
- Drooling or foaming from the mouth
If you see an animal, wild or stray, with these signs, do not approach it and stay away. If any animal is acting strangely, call your local animal control officer for help. Additional resources include:
- Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator: Licensed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
- Wildlife Rehabilitator: Licensed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
- Department of Environmental Conservation at 1-844-332-3267
- Local police department
Per NYS Public Health Law, all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated by 4 months-old and then one year following the initial dose. Dogs and cats need to receive a booster dose every three years following. Ferrets must receive booster doses annually. For the safety of pets and the convenience of county residents, the Oneida County Health Department offers Rabies Vaccination Clinics throughout the year in various community locations. Additional rabies vaccination clinics will be offered in 2025.
For more information on rabies prevention, contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064 or log onto our web site at oneidacountyny.gov/rabies.
