EH&S ADVISORY
RABIES IN RACCOONS
Background
Since 1977, rabies among raccoons has become an epizootic (a disease affecting many animals of one kind at the same time), spreading steadily northward from the Central Atlantic States. The epizootic finally reached the southern tier of New York State in 1990. In 1993, the first case of rabies in raccoons resulting from this epizootic was confirmed in Monroe County. In 1994, there were 37 confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons in Monroe County. That number is expected to increase, or at the very least remain constant in 1995.
Prevention
The best way to prevent exposure to rabies is to avoid direct and indirect contact with all wild animals, especially raccoons. A seemingly tame raccoon might be tempting to approach, but this is one of the signs of rabies (one woman in Monroe County decided to feed part of her sandwich to a raccoon and then finished the rest herself!). Other symptoms include aggressive behavior, partial paralysis (usually starting in the hind legs), and difficulty swallowing. Raccoons are nocturnal, so seeing one during the day could be suspicious, however, it is not a telltale sign by itself. Home owners with chimneys should, make sure they are properly capped or screened. Raccoons can easily climb onto roofs and love to build nests in chimneys.
If you see a raccoon acting strangely at work, call the Pest Control Unit at x53242, or Security at x13 if it is after hours. If at home, call your local animal control unit, or if there isn't one, call 911. In the city of Rochester, call 911 to have Rochester Animal Control respond.
The aggressive behavior of some infected raccoons will sometimes prompt it to attack humans, but more often it will end up tangling with a pet, usually a dog. That is why it is critical for pets to receive the rabies vaccine. The County Health Department makes it easy by setting up "pet clinics" regularly during the spring and summer. Most people, however, use their private veterinarian. (It is illegal not to have your dog and cat vaccinated against rabies.) Humans could acquire rabies by touching saliva from an infected animal that ended up on a pet.
Ways to help keep pets from being exposed:
- Do not leave pet food outside between meal periods.
- Frequently clean up bird seed from the ground and around bird feeders.
- Keep all garbage in tightly covered containers.
- In areas where raccoons are seen, do not allow dogs to stay outside at night or chained during the day when no one is home.
Pet Exposure
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a rabid raccoon, you should contact your veterinarian so the pet can receive a booster dose of the vaccine within five days of exposure. However, the exposed areas, especially cuts and scratches, should be washed with soap and warm water as soon as possible. Elbow length rubber gloves should be worn while doing this. If the raccoon is dead, call the Monroe County Health Department (MCHD) so they can have it tested for rabies (make sure the head of the raccoon is not crushed). Domestic animals that were not previously vaccinated will have to be strictly confined for four months or destroyed immediately.
Human Exposure
Whether through direct contact with a raccoon, or indirectly through a pet, suspected human exposure to rabies requires immediate attention.
- Clean all cuts and scratches thoroughly with warm water and soap.
- Call the Monroe County Health Department immediately to provide details of the potential exposure.
- Destroy the suspected rabid raccoon, if possible, so that it can be tested. The MCHD will be involved with the decision if post-exposure treatment is necessary or not.
Important Telephone Numbers:
- UR Pest Control Unit x53242
Monroe County Health Department - 274-6864 (274-7100 after hours)
QUESTIONS? Contact the EH&S Pest Control Unit at (585) 275-3242 or by e-mail to EH&S Questions
This page last updated 9/29/2004. Disclaimer.
