Health Department Thanks the Public for Assistance With Raccoon 2021-06-30

The Tompkins County Health Department is thanking the public for their assistance with the June 25 report of the raccoon harbored by a person near West State Street. The Health Department was able to resolve the matter by locating and testing the raccoon. The test results for the raccoon confirmed that the animal did not have rabies and there is no risk of rabies to those who were exposed. 

The Health Department reminds the public that care of injured or orphaned wildlife should only be performed by NYS licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Rehabilitators have training and facilities that allow them to safely provide the specialized care for wildlife while preventing transmission of disease to the public.

The Health Department reminds everyone to:

1. Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals.
2. All cats, dogs and ferrets must have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four months of age.  Keep vaccinations current!
3. Report the following incidents to the Tompkins County Health Department at 274-6688:
   • All animal bites or scratches.
   • Any human or pet contact with saliva or other potentially infectious material (brain tissue, spinal tissue, or cerebro-spinal fluid) of wild animals or any animal suspected of having rabies.
   • All bat bites, scratches, or any mere skin contact with a bat, or a bat in a room with a child, or sleeping or impaired person.

For additional information contact the Tompkins County Environmental Health Division at (607) 274-6688.