Don’t Risk Getting Rabies
Oneida County Health Department Urges Residents to Stay Away from Wild Animals
With nice weather, many tend to spend more time outside. Children do as well. It is important to remember that we share our space with wild animals. Sometimes, these wild animals can be infected with rabies.
Human rabies is 99% fatal. Animals that are most often rabid include bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Bat bites can be tiny and it may be difficult to know if you’ve been bitten. If you do find one in your home, try to safely capture the bat, and contact the Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) to make arrangements for testing. Rabies is spread to humans and pets through bites and scratches from infected animals.
Rabid animals may be acting strangely, coming too close to humans, and foaming at the mouth. If you see a wild animal do not approach it or touch it whether you believe it is rabid or not. If you are concerned that an animal is injured and/or may need help, do not touch it but contact a professional for assistance. 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
Teach your children to stay away from wild animals. Keep your pets up to date with rabies vaccinations. 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:
- July 22, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Vienna Town Garage
- August 19, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Rome Kennedy Arena
For more information on rabies prevention, visit ocgov.net/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.
