3 Rabies Cases Reported In Western Queens

ASTORIA, QUEENS — Three animals have been found to have rabies this year in Queens, all in the western portion of the borough, according to the New York City Department of Health.

The rabies cases, which were found in Astoria and Elmhurst, include two raccoons and one cat.

They are among 30 rabies cases found across New York City so far this year, the Health Department said Tuesday, as wildlife biologists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture kicked off a citywide effort to vaccinate raccoons against the virus.

Starting Tuesday, biologists will distribute individual baits with oral rabies vaccines in areas with thick vegetation in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan, and the Health Department will use a helicopter to distribute the vaccine in wooded and marshy areas of Staten Island and the Gateway National Recreation Area in Brooklyn and Queens.

Distribution of the vaccines will continue through Oct. 9, officials said.

The bait is not harmful to people or pets, but exposure to the liquid may cause a rash, and pets that consume baits may experience vomiting, according to a news release.

The vaccination program was started by Cornell University in 2014 and has occurred every year in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, except for 2019.

New Yorkers are urged to keep a safe distance from raccoons and other wildlife, and to vaccinate their pets and watch them when outdoors.

“Rabies is a serious illness that poses danger to the entire community," NYC Parks Wildlife Unit Director Richard Simon said in a statement. "This preventative measure will help maintain the health and safety of all New Yorkers, both human and animal."