Westchester Reporter

The Westchester County Department of Health has issued a warning to residents after discovering a rabid raccoon near John Paulding School, 154 Broadway in Tarrytown. The raccoon, which was also spotted around the Warner Library and Patriots Park, tested positive for rabies on October 31.

Residents are urged to contact the Health Department at (914) 813-5000 if they or their family members have come into contact with a raccoon. The department is available for calls 24-hours a day to evaluate individuals for preventive rabies treatment.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, emphasized the importance of avoiding wild animals and strays to prevent rabies. "Rabies is fatal, but it is also 100 percent preventable with post-exposure treatment," she stated. She advised parents to teach children not to approach unknown animals and to report any bites or scratches immediately. Additionally, Amler recommended bat-proofing homes and keeping pets' rabies vaccinations current.

Signs of rabies in animals include unusual behavior such as abnormal aggression or tameness, loss of fear of humans, excitement, irritability, passivity, lethargy, staggering, and frothing at the mouth.

Residents should avoid contact with stray or wild animals and report any strange behavior to local authorities promptly. Any physical interaction with unfamiliar animals should be reported to healthcare providers. Animal bites or contact with suspected rabid animals must be reported to the County Health Department.

Maintaining up-to-date pet vaccinations against rabies is crucial. New York State law mandates that dogs, cats, and ferrets receive regular booster shots. More information can be found at www.westchestergov.com/health or by calling the RABIES INFOLINE at (914) 813-5010.