NEW YORK, Jul 22, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Six rabid raccoons have been
identified in New York City this year, the city health department said.
Four of the raccoons were found in the Bronx, one in Manhattan near Inwood Hill
Park, and one in Queens in Long Island City. Raccoons are the most commonly
reported rabid animals in New York City, but city health officials warn that
skunks, bats, stray dogs and cats and other wild animals can also carry rabies.
Rabid raccoons are a relatively common occurrence in Staten Island and the
Bronx, but rare in Queens and Manhattan. Bats with rabies have also been found
in all five boroughs, health officials said.
People and unvaccinated animals can get rabies, most often through a bite from
an infected animal. Infection leads to a severe brain disease that causes death
unless the person is treated promptly after being bitten. To reduce the risk of
rabies, New Yorkers should avoid all wild animals, as well as any animal that
seems sick, disoriented or unusually placid or aggressive, health officials
said.
In 2008, 19 animals tested positive for rabies in New York City including 13
from the Bronx -- four raccoons, seven skunks, one bat and one cat -- and four
from Staten Island -- all raccoons -- as well as a bat from Brooklyn and a
raccoon from Queens.
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