NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. — A raccoon found near Ditch Road in the Town of Royalton has tested positive for rabies, according to the Niagara County Health Department.
The department said the raccoon reportedly bit two sheep before the owner killed the raccoon. The sheep were also euthanized following the positive rabies test on the raccoon.
County officials say livestock are not routinely vaccinated against rabies, so those exposed to the virus must be put down or quarantined for six months.
New York State requires rabies vaccinations for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.
The health department offers the following tips to protect you and your animals:
- Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals
- Make sure your pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations
- Keep family pets indoors at night
- Don't attract wild animals to your home — feed pets indoors, tightly cover garbage cans, board up openings to attic, basement, etc.
- Encourage children to tell an adult if they are bitten by an animal. Don't touch animals you don't know.
- If your pet has been in a fight with another animal, wear gloves to handle it and isolate it from other animals and people. Contact your veterinarian. Your vaccinated pet will need a rabies booster shot within five days of exposure.
Animal bites or contact with wild animals should be reported to the Niagara County Department of Health Environmental Division at (716) 439-7444 or 439-7430 after hours. For more information on rabies call the Niagara County Department of Health at 439-7444 or visit their website.
Click here for a list of upcoming rabies immunization clinics.