Eleventh rabid raccoon found in Suffolk, health officials say

Another Suffolk raccoon has tested positive for rabies, this time in Lindenhurst, marking 11 cases throughout the county this year, Suffolk health officials announced Tuesday.

No humans or pets are believed to have come in contact with the infected raccoon, the first found in Lindenhurst this year, according to a Suffolk County Department of Health Services news release.

On Jan. 28, a raccoon in Amityville tested positive for rabies in Suffolk. It was the first one found since 2009. The disease was then discovered in seven more raccoons recovered from the Amityville area and two more from Deer Park.

Another 23 raccoons tested positive for the potentially fatal disease transmissible to humans via bite or scratch in Nassau County this year, according to a spokeswoman for the Nassau health department. One feral cat similarly tested positive for the disease in Nassau.

Last month, in an effort to stave off the spread of rabies, the Suffolk health department distributed oral rabies vaccine packets throughout the Towns of Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown and Islip, Newsday previously reported. In a statement, Suffolk health commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott described the bait drops as an "important and sometimes messy task."

The Nassau County Department of Health began its own rabies vaccine bait drop operation on Monday, according to a news release. Slow-moving county vehicles will distribute clear plastic bags that contain the liquid vaccine in "wooded areas, streambeds, storm drains, and other areas where raccoons are likely to be found" through Oct. 27, the release reads.

Under New York State law, dogs, cats and ferrets must receive vaccination against rabies. Suffolk residents are advised to avoid contact with any unknown animals and refrain from feeding stray animals and wildlife, Suffolk health officials said.

Symptoms of a rabies infection in humans include fever, headache and irritability, according to the Suffolk health department. After several days without treatment, an infected individual may experience convulsions and paralysis. If left untreated, the disease can kill humans and other mammals.

Trappers, "nuisance wildlife rehabilitators" and all other Suffolk residents are asked to refrain from transporting and relocating wild animals "at this time," the health department release reads.

Sightings of raccoons behaving abnormally can be reported to the Suffolk County Police Department by calling 631-852-COPS or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250.

All animal bites or other contact with wildlife should be reported to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-854-0333 or 631-852-4820. Callers should "contain the animal" if possible "so that it can be tested," the release reads.

Dead raccoons found in the Towns of Babylon, Huntington, Islip and Smithtown can be reported to php@suffolkcountyny.gov or 631-852-5900.