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Rabid raccoon found in Newport, health officials say exercise caution

By NEWSChannel 2 Staff

Story Created: Feb 6, 2013 at 3:49 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2013 at 3:49 PM EDT

NEWPORT, N.Y. (WKTV) - A rabid raccoon has been reported in Herkimer County and now Public Health officials are warning residents to be careful around wild animals.

According to Herkimer County Public Health, the raccoon was found in Newport in the past week and was sent to Wadsworth Laboratory where it was confirmed the animal had been infected with the rabies virus.

Health officials say residents of Herkimer County should consider all wild animals to be potentially rabid, adding that an exposure to the rabies virus can be lethal to people, pets and domesticated animals. Officials want residents to remember to get their pets and domesticated animals inoculated and kept up to date with their vaccinations to prevent infection.

Herkimer County Public Health will resume rabies clinics in the spring of 2013. In addition, they direct residents to the Center for Disease Control's website for more information about rabies.

If you have any questions, you are encouraged to call Herkimer County Public Health at 315-867-1176.

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