Rabies Prevention

If you or a family member get bitten by an animal, call our office at 607-535-8140.

Rabies is a deadly disease that any mammal, including people, can get through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or a scratch. Though any mammal can get rabies, most animal cases in the United States occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Worldwide, for most human cases of rabies, the infected person got rabies from a dog bite.¹ Vaccinating pets, like dogs, cats, and ferrets, is one of the best ways to prevent people from getting rabies. It is also required by law in New York State.²

Our department helps prevent the spread of rabies by providing no-cost public Rabies Clinics each year and by investigating all animal bites and wild animal exposures in the County. Our investigations allow us to ensure exposed people and animals are protected from rabies by: 

• Verifying if an exposure occurred. 
• Testing or confining animals to make sure they don't have rabies. 
• Linking people and pets to prompt Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, if needed. 
  • For human Post-Exposure Prophylaxis authorized by our department, we will cover any costs not covered by your insurance. 

We collaborate extensively with law enforcement, local veterinary offices, and the Humane Society in our efforts to prevent rabies. 

Rabies is almost always fatal, but through pet vaccination and timely Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, human rabies cases can be prevented.³

Frequently Asked Questions 

What should I do if I find a bat in my house? 

Bat bites or other contact with infected bats account for the majority of human rabies deaths in the United States. Bat bites can be very small and sometimes hard to recognize. While bats are a vital part of the ecosystem and most bats DO NOT have rabies, it is very important to contact the local health department if you may have been bitten or otherwise exposed. Rabies is preventable with treatment. 

Follow these steps if you find a bat in your home:

1. Get ready: Get a small container (like a box or large can) and a piece of cardboard big enough to cover the container opening. Put on work gloves. 
2. Catch the bat: Close windows and doors then turn on the light. When it lands, approach it slowly and put the container over it. Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat. 
3. Call your local health department: The bat may need to be sent out for testing if it may have bit someone. 

You can also watch the below video for more tips on how to safely catch a bat.