Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in the Hudson Valley

Health officials in the Hudson Valley region are warning residents to be extra cautious around wild animals after a bat in Sullivan County, NY, tested positive for rabies.

Rabies Alert Issued in Sullivan County, NY

The Sullivan County Department of Public Health has issued a rabies alert after a bat found in the Livingston Manor area recently tested positive for the rabies virus. Officials say this is the first confirmed human exposure incident in Sullivan County this year involving an animal that tested positive for rabies. It's important to point out that these numbers only include animals that were able to be captured and tested after coming into contact with a person.

Bat Tested Positive For Rabies in Sullivan County, NY

Rabies is not uncommon among wild animals in New York State, with the disease most commonly found in animals including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and woodchucks.

Rabies Warning Signs

Some warning signs that an animal could have rabies include unusually aggressive behavior, attacking objects or people, losing its natural fear of humans, difficulty walking or staggering, paralysis or loss of coordination, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth.

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Sullivan County is also reminding residents to make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Pets that are too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors.

A regularly scheduled rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets will be held September 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Narrowsburg Fire House. Pre-registration is requested by calling 845-292-5910.

What is Rabies

What Should You Do If You're Bitten?

If you or someone in your family is bitten by an animal, seek medical attention and report the contact to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health at 845-292-5910.

Officials say residents should never try to separate two animals that are fighting. If you have to handle your pet after it has been in a fight with another animal, wear gloves.

You should also avoid feeding or touching wild animals, stray dogs or stray cats, and take steps around your home to keep wildlife away. That includes keeping garbage tightly covered, feeding pets indoors, not leaving bird seed or food outside, and sealing openings that could allow animals into attics, garages, porches, or other areas of your home.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is simple: avoid contact with wild animals.