NEW YORK — The New York City Health Department, in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, is vaccinating raccoons against rabies. Beginning on October 14 and continuing through November (weather dependent), oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits are being distributed in targeted areas of Queens, Brooklyn and select areas of northern Manhattan. This effort is intended to minimize the spread of the virus among the growing number of rabid raccoons in previously affected areas of Queens and Brooklyn and across the border in Nassau County (see Rabies Maps). This follows baiting done in Queens and Brooklyn this spring.
To date this year, 18 raccoons (10 from Queens, 2 from Brooklyn, and 6 from Staten Island), one cat from Staten Island, and one bat from Queens have tested positive for rabies in New York City. In addition, rabid raccoons continue to be identified in neighboring Nassau and Suffolk counties; both Nassau County and Suffolk County are also distributing ORV this fall.
“Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal. The NYC Health Department’s efforts to vaccinate raccoons against rabies will protect New Yorkers, their pets, and the City’s wildlife,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “New Yorkers can do their part too, by keeping their pets up to date on rabies vaccinations and maintaining distance from our city’s wildlife. Also, if you see an animal you believe to be behaving erratically, please call 311.”
Baits with ORV are used to vaccinate raccoons in North America, including New York City. Baits are distributed by USDA and numerous state and local partners in the eastern United States, with the goal of preventing the spread of rabies virus into other parts of the country.
The small, brown colored baits are fish-scented and resemble a ketchup packet which conceals a small amount of pink, liquid vaccine. Raccoons are attracted to the odor, and when raccoons chew the bait, they can become immunized, protecting them against rabies infection. The bait itself does not harm people, but in extremely rare instances, exposure to the liquid may cause a rash.
In the unlikely event someone comes in contact with the liquid, they should wash hands with warm, soapy water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, talk to their provider, and notify the NYC Poison Center at 212-POISONS (212-764-7667). The bait is not harmful to pets and cannot cause rabies, but it can cause vomiting if several baits are consumed. If pets find the bait, do not try to take it away from them to avoid being bitten and exposed to the vaccine.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten by a rabid animal. In NYC, rabies is mostly found in raccoons. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person or pet does not receive appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start.
Raccoons
- Raccoons live in New York City and if seen during the day be cautious but not alarmed. Being out during the day does not mean it is rabid, it may just be looking for food.
- Do not feed raccoons.
- Observe raccoons from a distance.
- For more information about raccoons, visit WildlifeNYC.
Protect yourself against rabies
- Do not touch or feed wild animals, stray dogs or cats.
- Keep garbage in tightly sealed containers.
- Stay away from any animal that is behaving aggressively.
- Stay away from any wild animal that appears ill or acts unusually friendly. Call 311 to report a sick animal.
- Animals that have attacked, or appear likely to attack, should be reported to 911.
- Do not try to separate fighting animals.
Protect your pet against rabies
- Keep pet vaccinations up to date and keep them leashed.
- Keep your dog leashed while outdoors.
- Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended.
- If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact your veterinarian immediately and report the incident to 311.
- Feed pets indoors.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal
- Immediately wash the wound with lots of soap and water.
- Seek medical care from your health care provider.
- If the animal is not owned, and can be captured by authorized personnel, call 311.
- If the animal is a pet, get the owner’s name, address and telephone number so the Health Department can monitor the animal.
- To report a bite, call the Animal Bite Unit (646-364-1799) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. At night or on weekends, call 212-POISONS (764-7667).
- For information about medical follow-up, call 311 or your medical provider.
More information about rabies and baiting
Photo: Neil McIntosh, Flickr
