FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Veterinarians contact: (631) 853-3055

March 16, 2006 Rabid Raccoon Found in Suffolk County

County's First Case of Terrestrial Animal Rabies

Brian L. Harper, M.D., M.P.H, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, reported today that Suffolk's increased surveillance in response to the outbreak of raccoon rabies in Nassau County has resulted in the confirmation, on March 16th, of this County's first case of terrestrial animal rabies. The raccoon was recovered from a backyard on Soundview Road in Huntington. There was no known contact with humans or pets. The New York State Department of Health, the United States Department of Agriculture, veterinarians in the local area and the Nassau County Department of Health have all been informed of this finding.

Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted from infected mammals to man. Left untreated, it will invariably lead to death. Early symptoms include irritability, headache, fever, and sometimes itching at the site of exposure. Within days the disease progresses to paralysis, spasms of the throat muscles, convulsions, delirium and death.

People can get rabies if they are exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal through a bite. It is also possible, although rare, that people can get rabies if infectious material, such as saliva, from a rabid animal gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth or a wound.

We need the public's cooperation. Residents are asked to report sightings of abnormally acting raccoons, skunks and foxes to the Suffolk County Police Department by calling 911.

Residents are asked to report sightings of dead raccoons, skunks and foxes in the Town of Huntington only, by calling (631) 853-8405, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

The Department of Health Services is working closely with the Town of Huntington in this regard. Since the advent of raccoon rabies in Nassau, Suffolk County has been working with federal, state, county and local officials to develop a plan for the control of the disease. These cooperative efforts continue.

Dr. Harper said, "We are looking to the New York State Department of Health to continue its efforts in Suffolk County as was done in Nassau County. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services will implement an appropriate plan of action as necessary to protect the public's health as advised by the United States Department of Agriculture and the New York State Department of Health. It should be emphasized that this was not a human case and there is no immediate need for alarm. However, it is recommended that Suffolk County residents take the appropriate precautions."

Precautions are as follows:
New York State and Suffolk County law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinating your pet not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people. It is very important to make sure that these animals, as well as livestock and horses have current rabies vaccinations.

To further protect yourself from possible exposure to rabies:

  • Keep dogs, cats and ferrets on a leash and keep livestock confined in the evening.
  • Do not have contact with any animal other than your own.
  • Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
  • Do not touch dead or dying animals. Use a shovel, wear rubber gloves and double bag the carcass, if you need to move them.
  • Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting in an unusual way.
  • Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.
  • Children should be advised to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.

To prevent the possible spread of the rabies virus, no one, including trappers and nuisance wildlife rehabilitators, should transport and relocate any wild animals at this time.

For more information on rabies, visit the New York State Department of Health's website, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.

 

LIVMA RESPONDS TO WORLD TRADE CENTER CRISIS.
Click each photograph for more detail.
For Immediate Release

Contact: Dr. Marc Franz (516) 367-7100
Dr. Howard Flynn (631) 654-4693

The Long Island Veterinary Medical Association (LIVMA) was among the first to respond to the recent crisis at the World Trade Center.

“Once we recognized the magnitude of the search and rescue efforts that would be necessary to unearth any survivors we called upon the LIVMA’s Disaster Preparedness Committee, led by myself and Drs. Mitch Kornet and Dennis Dougherty, to ensure the safety of the dogs being used to hunt through the rubble,” said Dr. Howard Flynn.

Teams of Long Island veterinarians and technicians, working in twelve hour shifts around the clock, were immediately organized by Dr. Kornet and assisted in the effort to save as many lives as possible.

“There was what seemed like a small army of dogs, all who were there to search for possible survivors among the tons of rubble left after the attacks,” said Dr. Marc Franz, “and many who needed medical attention after coming back out of the heat and dust they were asked to dig through.” 

The LIVMA thanks its many members, and their staff, who donated time and materials to ensure the health of the rescue dogs. 

Special thanks also to the Suffolk County SPCA who brought their mobile mash animal care unit to the World Trade Center site to be used as a centralized medical center to care for the dogs involved in the rescue attempts. The Nassau County Red Cross’ Pet Safe facilities, as well as the efforts of the North Shore Animal League, made it possible for the LIVMA’s doctors to offer animal housing and shelter to the rescue dogs when needed.

The LIVMA also thanks the American Veterinary Medical Association’s VMAT team for their logistical support during this crisis. 

Many veterinarians from the New York City area as well as the Westchester-Rockland community, and surrounding states, also volunteered to work along-side the LIVMA’s Disaster teams. 

“The efforts of these dedicated doctors made it possible to maintain the well being of the dogs used during this disaster,” said Dr. Franz.

For more information about the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association and their many programs visit their website at www.livma.org.