On November 12th, 2008, Herkimer County Public Health received laboratory confirmation of rabies in a skunk killed by the homeowner on Burt Road in the Town of Herkimer, after the rabid skunk had attacked a pet dog. The skunk’s infection with rabies was confirmed by the New York State Department of Health.

The dog was not up to date on its rabies vaccination, and is under public health and veterinary quarantine and consultation. There was no apparent human contact.

On November 1st, 2008, New York State Department of Health diagnosed rabies in a bull, which had died of a neurological disorder on Mary Hill Road, in Richfield Springs. Public Health and the veterinarian submitted the animal’s head to the State Laboratory.

Many family members had been exposed to the secretions of the bull, and required urgent treatment with rabies immune globulin, and rabies vaccine. Human rabies infection is usually fatal, so extreme caution and care is necessary for possible bite victims.

Several other domestic animals including other cattle and horses had been exposed to the rabid bull, and remain under quarantine and veterinary supervision. The bull owner had not vaccinated any of the animals against rabies. There had been no known contact of the bull with any rabid animal, but rabies is now widespread through Herkimer County. Livestock owners face significant risk from failing to obtain regular rabies vaccination for their herds.

All Herkimer County residents should be extremely careful of any wild animals, and also stray animals, including stray domestic animals such as dogs and cats. If you are bitten, scratched or have contact with any animal that might be rabid, immediately wash the wound with water and soap, and seek emergency medical attention at any hour of the day or night. Be certain that the medical provider reports the incident to Herkimer County Public Health at 867-1176.

Herkimer County Public Health has provided 9 FREE RABIES CLINICS in 2008. The next FREE RABIES CLINICS will begin in late winter.