Anyone who may have come into contact with the groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, is urged to contact the Westchester County Department of Health immediately.
The Westchester County Department of Health is notifying Peekskill residents that an aggressive groundhog captured near Lepore Park has tested positive for rabies.
Anyone who may have come into contact with the groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, is urged to contact the Westchester County Department of Health immediately. Both people and pets may be at risk of rabies exposure. If you or your pet may have had contact with the animal, please call the Westchester County Department of Health’s Rabies Infoline at (914) 813-5010 for guidance.
The groundhog was captured and tested for rabies after it chased a woman who was walking her dog on Tuesday near Lepore Park at 800 Main Street. It did not make contact with the woman or her dog.
Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “Rabies is fatal, but it is also 100 percent preventable with post-exposure treatment. To avoid rabies, steer clear of wild animals and strays. If you see an injured or sick animal, call police. Teach your children not to approach or handle animals they don’t know, even if they appear young, injured or friendly, and to tell you right away if they are bitten or scratched by any animal. It is also important to bat-proof your home and keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. Discourage wild animals from visiting your yard by securely covering trash cans and keeping pet food and water indoors.”
Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable, or appear particularly passive and lethargic. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted.
Residents should never approach or have contact with a stray or wild animal. Residents who see a stray or wild animal acting strangely should alert local authorities to avoid possible exposure to rabies. Residents are also advised to keep their trash can lids securely sealed, remove wild bird feeders, and avoid leaving pet food outdoors.
Any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a health care provider. All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health.
Keeping pet rabies vaccinations up to date is also important for protection against rabies. New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots. For more information, go to www.westchestergov.com/health or call the Rabies Infoline at (914) 813-5010.