Rabies

Rabies is a preventable viral infection of mammals, usually transmitted by an infected animal’s bite.
Rabies is prevalent throughout North America and is diagnosed every year in Delaware County.
Report all animal bites to Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

2023 Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics

Colchester-March 1, 2023
5:00PM-6:30PM
Colchester Town Garage
6292 River Rd., Downsville, NY 13755

Sidney-May 8, 2023
5:30PM-7:30PM
Sidney Fire Hall
74 River St., Sidney, NY 13838

Hancock-May 22, 2023
5:30PM-7:30PM
Hancock Town Hall
661 West Main St., Hancock, NY 13783

Arkville-June 7, 2023
4:00PM-6:00PM
Arkville Fire Hall
43365 State Highway 28, Arkville, NY 12406

Franklin-June 12, 2023
5:30PM-7:30PM
Franklin Fire Hall
351 Main St., Franklin, NY 13775

Walton-July 12, 2023
5:00PM-7:00PM
Walton Highway Garage
8586 State Highway 10, Walton, NY 13856

Delhi-August 22, 2023
5:00PM-7:00PM
Delhi Fire Hall
140 Delview Terrace Extn., Delhi, NY 13753

Stamford-September 12, 2023
5:00PM-7:00PM
Stamford Fire Hall
111 Main St., Stamford, NY 12167

Deposit-October 2, 2023
5:30PM-7:30PM
DPW Garage
1 Village St. (200 Front St.), Deposit, NY 13754

Calendar

FAQ:

What is rabies?

Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease of the brain and death. Rabies is most often seen among wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, but any mammal can be infected with rabies. Pets and livestock can get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect them against infection.

What are signs that an animal has rabies?

The first sign of rabies is usually a change in an animal’s behavior. It may become unusually aggressive or tame. The animal may lose its fear of people and natural enemies. A wild animal may appear affectionate and friendly. It may become excited or irritable and attack anything in its path. Staggering, convulsions, choking, frothing at the mouth and paralysis are sometimes seen. Many animals will make very unusual sounds. Infected animals usually die within one week after showing signs of rabies.

What should I do if I was exposed to an animal that might be rabid?

1. Wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
2. Report the animal bite to Delaware County Public Health Services 607-832-5200 or 607-832-5555 after 4pm, weekends and holidays. Staff is available around the clock to respond to rabies questions and potential exposures. Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room; you may need a rabies vaccination.

How do I protect my pets from rabies?

The best way to keep pets safe from rabies is to vaccinate them and keep their shots up-to-date. If your pet has been injured by a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian to get medical care. Even though your pet has been vaccinated, a booster dose of rabies vaccine may be needed within five days of the incident. Contact Delaware County Public Health Services to determine if more follow up is needed.

A bat was flying around in my child’s bedroom while the child was sleeping. What should I do?

If you or someone in your home has potentially been exposed to a bat, the bat should be safely captured (if possible) and you should immediately contact Delaware County Public Health Services. When appropriate, Public Health will arrange for testing of the bat. If the bat can be captured and tests negative for rabies, then you will not need PEP.

Protect you, your family and your pets from rabies:

Avoid all contact with unfamiliar animals.
Keep vaccinations up to date for all pets.
Never handle or adopt wild animals, or bring them into your home.
Prevent bats from entering your home.
Do not let your pets run free or leave them unattended.
Keep pets indoors at night.
Feed pets indoors, so outdoor food dishes won’t attract strange animals.
Tightly cap garbage cans.
Encourage children to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten by an animal.
Report all animal bites to Delaware County Public Health Services.

Rabies advisory: Due to the increased risk of being exposed to an animal infected with the rabies virus during the warmer months, Delaware County Public Health reminds residents and visitors they can reduce their risk of exposure by remembering the following: • DO NOT approach, handle, or feed wild or domestic animals with whom you are unfamiliar. • DO NOT discard a bat found in your sleeping quarters upon waking, or one with which you may have come into contact. Try to trap or capture it if you can do so safely, so that it can be tested. • DO NOT allow your pets to run free. • DO keep your pet vaccinations up to date. • DO call Public Health Services if you are bitten or scratched by a domestic or wild animal. Safely capturing an animal or bat so that it can be tested for rabies is preferable to being treated with the expensive rabies vaccination series following an exposure. For more info on Rabies Prevention call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832-5200.

Don’t touch wild animals! They may look cute and cuddly, but they are wild animals. If you touch them, they may bite or scratch you. Did you know wild animals need to get tested for rabies if they scratch or bite you? Did you know they have to be KILLED to be tested for rabies, even if they are not sick? Foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats can carry rabies. If you see an abandoned wild baby animal, leave them alone for their sake. Talk with an animal rehabilitator for guidance. To find more information on animal rehabilitators: https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/839777.html or call NYS DEC Region 4 office at 607-652-7367.

Resources:

NYS Department of Health: Rabies

CDC: Rabies

Rabies Vaccinations for Pets

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Rabies

Rabies

2023 Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics

FAQ:

Protect you, your family and your pets from rabies:

Resources:

Serving Delaware County, NY

DELAWARE COUNTY