Westchester Reporter

The Westchester County Health Department is urging residents to take precautions against rabies as June marks Rabies Awareness Month. With warmer weather leading to more outdoor activities, the risk of encounters with animals that may carry the rabies virus increases.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, emphasized preventive measures: “The best way to avoid rabies is to steer clear of wild animals and strays, bat-proof your home and keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. Discourage wild animals from visiting your yard by securely covering trash cans and keeping pet food and water indoors. Do not approach or handle animals that you don’t know, even if they appear young, injured or friendly. If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, contact the Health Department as soon as possible to be evaluated for preventive rabies treatment.”

In 2023, the County Health Department tested 327 animals that may have had contact with people or pets. Sixteen were confirmed rabid, including eight raccoons, six bats, one bear, and a beaver. Nearly 200 people received post-exposure rabies treatment.

Amler added: “It isn’t only wild animals that can be a concern. 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. That way, the bite victim may be able to avoid a series of rabies shots if the pet is up-to-date on its rabies vaccines.”

To prevent bats from entering homes, residents should caulk any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch and use window screens and chimney caps. Electrical and plumbing holes should be filled with stainless steel wool or caulk. Exterior doors should close tightly.

If a bat enters a home and there is potential exposure—such as being in a room with a sleeping person—the Health Department advises capturing it safely and contacting them immediately at 914-813-5000 for testing.

For further information on how to capture bats safely in homes: https://health.westchestergov.com/rabies/rabies-in-bats.

Residents concerned about erratic animal behavior outdoors should contact local police departments or animal control officers. For removing an animal from inside a home, certified trappers are available through provided resources.

More information about recognizing signs of rabid animals and what actions to take if bitten or scratched can be found on the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health. Residents can also follow updates on Facebook at facebook.com/wchealthdept or Twitter @wchealthdept.

For additional inquiries or assistance, call (914) 813-5000.

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