The New York State Department of Health has issued a warning to residents to take steps to prevent rabies infections, particularly during the summer months when outdoor activity increases. Rabies is a fatal disease caused by the rabies virus and can be transmitted through the saliva of infected animals.
“Spending more time outdoors means you could be at risk of encountering a rabid animal,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Even animals that are small and cute can still carry the rabies virus and should not be approached or touched. Protect yourself and your pets when outside. Anyone who is exposed or bitten should immediately seek medical care.”
Wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, deer, groundhogs, and coyotes are most commonly affected by rabies in New York State. Domestic animals like dogs, cats, horses, and livestock can also contract the virus if unvaccinated. The disease spreads through bites or when saliva from an infected animal enters the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound.
The department emphasized that all mammals are susceptible to rabies regardless of age. While cases occur year-round in New York State, encounters with potentially rabid animals increase during warmer months due to greater outdoor activity.
In case of exposure—such as a bite—individuals should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. Post-exposure treatment involves human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and four doses of vaccine over two weeks.
Prompt treatment after exposure can prevent development of rabies; however, once symptoms appear in humans, the disease is almost always fatal.
Rabid animals have been confirmed in every county across New York State. In 2024 alone, the Wadsworth Center Rabies Laboratory identified 313 cases among wild and domestic animals.
The health department advises people concerned about possible exposure without an obvious bite—for example if a bat is found in a room with an unattended child or someone with cognitive impairment—to contact their county health department for guidance. A list of county health agencies is available on the Department’s website: https://www.health.ny.gov/contact/contact_information/.
Further information about rabies prevention and risks can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/.
