During Rabies Awareness Month, the Westchester County Health Department is urging residents to take precautions against rabies by ensuring their pets’ vaccinations are up-to-date and avoiding contact with stray and wild animals. Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler advised, “Please do not touch sick or injured animals, no matter how vulnerable they appear and teach this to your children, too. Instead, call your local police or animal control officer for help.”
The department emphasizes the importance of bat-proofing homes as bats can carry rabies. Residents are encouraged to seal any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch and use window screens and chimney caps. In case a bat enters a home, it should be captured safely and the Health Department contacted immediately at 914-813-5000 if there was potential exposure.
Last year, the department tested 364 animals for rabies after potential human or pet contact; 19 were confirmed rabid. Dr. Amler also noted that obtaining information about an attacking pet’s owner can help avoid unnecessary rabies shots: “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.”
Residents noticing erratic animal behavior should alert local authorities as rabies may cause aggression or lethargy in animals. Anyone bitten by a wild or stray animal should wash the area with warm soapy water, consult a doctor, and report to the Health Department at (914) 813-5000.
Pet owners are reminded to handle their pets with gloves if involved in an altercation with another animal and ensure their pets’ vaccines comply with state law.
