Feral Cat Tests Positive For Rabies On LI: Dept. of Health

CEDARHURST, NY — A feral cat collected in Cedarhurst has tested positive for rabies, the Nassau County Department of Health announced.

This is the county's first reported case of rabies since a raccoon was identified with the disease in 2016.

"We urge all residents to avoid contact with feral and wild animals and to ensure their pets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations," said Nassau Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman. “The detection of rabies in our county after several years of no reported cases is a stark reminder of the ongoing risk, and it’s crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our community."

The county's Department of Health is partnering with the Town of Hempstead to offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets.

Open to all county residents, the vaccination clinic will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh.

Rabies is a viral disease that is spread to humans and pets primarily through bites, scratches, or salivary contact from an infected animal.

To protect yourself from exposure to possible rabies:

• Don't feed or touch wild animals, stray cats, or dogs.
• Ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations. Pets too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors and allowed outside only under direct observation.
• Keep family pets indoors at night. Don't leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.
• Do not feed unknown animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
• Do not touch dying or dead animals. If you must move them, use a shovel, wear heavy rubber gloves and double-bag the carcass.

Anyone bitten or scratched by any animal should immediately contact their physicians or seek medical help at a hospital emergency room and then call the Nassau County Department of Health at 516-227-9663.