BINGHAMTON, NY - Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health threat in New York State and Broome County. To date in 2009, the Broome County Health Department has sent 107 animal specimens to the New York State Health Department laboratory for rabies testing because of encounters with humans and animals. Five of these specimens tested positive; 1 bat, 1 skunk, 1 raccoon, and 2 cats. The range of animal specimens involved in human and animal encounters makes it clear that wild animals, domesticated animals, pets and strays could potentially have rabies.

• Avoid contact with any wild animal. Be especially suspicious of wild animals that are unusually tame or aggressive. Do not attract raccoons to your yard by feeding them. Tightly cap garbage cans and do not feed pets outside.
• Avoid contact with any stray pets, especially cats.
• Do not handle pets with bare hands for several hours after any involvement with a suspected rabid wild animal. Pet owners should keep a pair of thick gloves handy for just such situations. Always wash your hands afterwards.
• Avoid contact with the saliva of any animal, including pets, that may be rabid or that may have been exposed to rabies.
• Seek advice regarding bat roosts in homes.