Montgomery County Public Health Department Issues Rabies Warning Following Increase in Animal Contact Reports

Fonda, NY – The Montgomery County Health Department is urging residents to use caution around unfamiliar animals following a recent spike in potential rabies exposures. In the past week alone, the department has received 13 calls regarding animal contacts, including dogs, cats, bats, and one rat.

At this time, the animals deemed necessary for testing, have tested negative for rabies, but the department is still awaiting results from three additional animals. Residents are reminded that a negative result in some cases does not eliminate the risk, as rabies is present in wildlife across New York State year-round.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is spread primarily through the bite or scratch of an infected animal but can also be transmitted if saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.

“Any contact with an unfamiliar animal, especially one that is acting strangely, should be taken seriously,” said Sara Boerenko, LCSW, MPH, Montgomery County Health Department. “If you are bitten or scratched by an animal that is not known to you, seek medical treatment immediately and contact our department right away.”

Residents are reminded:

• Do not touch or handle wild animals, stray pets, or animals that are acting sick or aggressive.
• Keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date.
• If you find a bat in your home—especially if it may have had contact with people or pets—call the health department immediately.
• Teach children never to approach unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly.

Anyone who is bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to the saliva of an unfamiliar or wild animal should immediately:

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Seek medical care as soon as possible.
3. Contact the Montgomery County Public Health Department at (518) 853-3531 for further guidance.

For more information on rabies prevention, visit the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/or contact the Montgomery County Health Department directly.