Rabid Raccoon Found in Otsego County

A raccoon found in a barn in the Town of Middlefield last week has tested positive for rabies, according to the Otsego County Department of Health. The raccoon was found in the barn last week and on Friday tested positive for rabies.

The raccoon was euthanized and sent to the state lab for rabies testing. There is no known human rabies exposure to this animal.

This is the first rabies positive animal in Otsego County this year. Rabies is a fatal viral infection that can be transmitted through the bite or scratch 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 New York State 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 six months.

All Otsego County residents are encouraged to call the Health Department at 607-547-4230 or visit the website otsegocounty.com for information regarding rabies.