Westchester Health Department Warns Of Rabies Risk During Summer

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Warmer weather means more Westchester residents will be outside, so the county Health Department wants to remind them about how to protect themselves, their families and their pets from rabies.

June is Rabies Awareness Month, and rabies is a fatal virus spread from the saliva of an infected animal through a bite or scratch, medical experts said. It can be prevented with a series of vaccines, but it is not treatable.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said people need to keep their distance from wild and stray animals, and teach children to avoid them, too.

"If you, your child or your pet are bitten or scratched by someone else's pet, get the name and address of the owner so that the biting pet's rabies vaccine records can be verified," she said. "That way, the bite victim may be able to avoid a series of rabies shots."

Should a bat get into your home, capture and contain it and call the Health Department immediately so that the bat can be tested for rabies. To learn how to safely capture a bat in your home, go here.

What can you do to keep animals away from and out of your home?

• Ensure doors and windows are secure. Add strong screens to chimneys and attic vents. Seal any gaps around air conditioners.
• If a bat finds its way into your house, confine or capture it (without further exposing yourself) and call the health department at 914-813-5000 to arrange for testing.
• Keep pet food and water dishes inside.
• Do not leave bird seed and bread crumbs on the ground around your property.
• Do not leave food outdoors unattended.
• Cover garbage cans securely.

How can you tell if an animal is rabid?

• Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal.
• A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame.
• Some rabid animals lose their fear of people and become excited and irritable, or appear passive and lethargic.
• Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted.

What should you do if bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal?

• Wash the bite or scratch with warm, soapy water.
• Call your doctor or hospital to find out if additional treatment is needed.
• Report the incident to the health department, 24 hours a day, at 914-813-5000. If calling after business hours, follow the recorded instructions for reporting public health emergencies.

What should you do if your pet fights with another animal?

• Wear gloves when handling your pet during and after an encounter with another animal.
• Call your veterinarian and the animal control officer in your community to report the incident.
• If you pet is exposed to a suspect rabid animal, try to keep the animal in sight until the police or a wildlife trapper arrives.
• If your pet bites or scratches someone, confine your animal and call the Westchester County Health Department immediately at 914-813-5000. There are a few simple procedures to follow so that the injured person does not need rabies post-exposure treatment. Be sure to keep your pet’s rabies vaccines current and contact your veterinarian to verify your pet’s rabies vaccine records.

More information about rabies and its prevention can be found on the Health Department’s website.