A bat has tested positive for rabies in Rome. The bat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on April 14, 2026 and positive results were reported on April 17, 2026. Two people were exposed to the bat and are receiving post-exposure prophylaxis.
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 communities. Additional rabies vaccination clinics will be offered in 2026.
For more information on rabies prevention, visit oneidacountyny.gov/rabies. If you have questions or are concerned about a possible rabies exposure, contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
