The Otsego County Department of Health reports that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Milford September 13, 2018. The raccoon was kilJed by a dog that was not current with rabies vaccination. The dog will be placed on a 6 month quarantine. There is no known risk for human rabies exposure to this raccoon.
This is the 2nd rabies positive animal in Otsego County this year. Rabies is a fatal viral infection that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal or contact with saliva to broken skin or mucus membranes. The public is cautioned to stay away from any stray or wild animals and instruct their children to do so also. It is NYS law that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies. Unvaccinated pets in contact with wildlife that is suspected or confirmed to be rabid must be either euthanized or strictly quarantined at owner's expense for 6 months. All Otsego County residents are encouraged to call the health department at 607-547-4230 or visit our website at www.otsegocountv.corn for information regarding rabies.