Rabid Woodchuck Confirmed in Ossining
Ossining residents are being told to be cautious after a rabid woodchuck was caught in the area on July 1.
The Westchester Health Department issued a rabies alert today to residents who may have had contact with a rabid woodchuck in the vicinity of Morningside Drive, between Nord Circle and Ridgeview Drive, prior to July 2.
“The woodchuck appeared unhealthy and was captured and
submitted for rabies testing on July 1. Test results received late yesterday confirmed that it was rabid,” the statement released by the health department said.
Rabies is a deadly virus that lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies can be spread through the contact of an infected animal’s saliva. Often it is through a bite but it can also be through a scratch.
Rabies is carried mainly by wild animals, such as: raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. However, stray dogs and cats may also carry rabies.
“Anyone who believes that he may have had contact with this woodchuck should contact the Westchester County Department of Health immediately at 914-813-5000 to assess the need for rabies treatment,” said Westchester County Acting Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cheryl Archbald. “Anyone bitten by a rabid animal, or having contact with its saliva, may need to receive immediate rabies vaccination.”
Rabies can be prevented by: avoiding contact with wildlife and stray animals, bat-proofing your residence, vaccinating your pets, keeping your dog on a leash, keeping your cat inside, and not providing food or harborage for wildlife, according to the health department website.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.