LOCKPORT, N.Y. — There have been three separate, unrelated cases of rabies in wild animals in the Town of Lockport confirmed by the Niagara County Department of Health on Friday.
On Oct. 23, a rabid raccoon was confirmed on Parkwood Drive after being removed by a Nuisance Wildlife Control Official. No known contacts with humans or pets were reported.
On Oct. 31, a second rabid raccoon was found on Stone Road after an incident involving three dogs at a private residence. The county says there were no human exposures to the raccoon’s saliva and that they are verifying the vaccination status of the dogs.
Also on Oct. 31, a rabid bat was confirmed on Presidential Way. The bat was found outdoors. Health department officials say there is no known contact with people or pets.
While these three cases occurred within the same town, the NCDOH said there is no indication that they are related. Each case involved distinct locations, circumstances, and animal species.
Bats, raccoons, skunks, and fox are common wildlife carriers of the rabies virus. It is possible that a rabid animal can share the virus by direct contact before symptoms appear visible. Rabies in animals is confirmed only through laboratory testing.
The health department is reminding Niagara County residents of the following precautions to prevent exposure to rabies:
- Avoid Feeding or Contact with Wildlife and Stray Animals: Avoid contact with stray dogs or feral cats and never attempt to adopt wild animals.
- Vaccinate Pets Against Rabies: Ensure that dogs and cats are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets act as a buffer between humans and rabid wildlife. Pets too young for vaccination should be kept indoors. By law, all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies starting at four months of age. Visit our website for the dates of free rabies vaccination clinics.
- Keep pets indoors at night: Do not leave pets outdoors unattended, as this increases their risk of exposure to rabid wildlife.
- Prevent Wildlife Access to Your Home: Avoid attracting wild animals keeping your property free of stored birdseed or other foods, which may attract wild animals. Feed pets indoors. Tightly cover, or put away garbage cans. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap your chimney with screens.
- Teach Children About Rabies Risks: Children should be instructed not to approach unknown animals and to report any bites or animal encounters to an adult immediately.
- Handling Wild Animal Encounters: If you encounter a wild animal on your property, let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors. Contact a wildlife control officer for removal or, if there is immediate danger, call local law enforcement.
- Take Precautions if Your Pet Has Contact with Wildlife: If your pet fights with another animal, wear gloves when handling it and isolate it for several hours. Contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance, including booster shots if needed. Your vaccinated pet will need a booster dose of rabies vaccine within five days of the exposure. Unvaccinated animals exposed to a known or suspected rabid animal must be confined for six months or humanely euthanized.
The NCDOH said animal rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in the county.
Report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to the NCDOH Environmental Division at 716-439-7444.
More information on rabies is available by calling the Niagara County Department of Health or visiting www.niagaracounty.gov/health.
