An aggressive groundhog captured near Peekskill's Lepore Park in northern Westchester County has tested positive for rabies, the Westchester County Department of Health said.
The health department said that anyone who may have come into contact with the groundhog — also known as a woodchuck — is urged to contact the health department immediately. Both people and pets may be at risk of rabies exposure.
If you or your pet may have had contact, the department said to call its rabies info-line at (914) 813-5010.
The groundhog was tested after it chased a woman walking her dog on Tuesday, Oct. 20, near Lepore Park at 800 Main St. It did not make contact with the woman or her dog, the health department said.
“Rabies is fatal, but it is also 100 percent
preventable with post-exposure treatment," Dr. Sherlita Amler, county health commissioner, said in the release.
The county news release advised:
∎ To avoid rabies, steer clear of wild animals and strays.
∎ If you see an injured or sick animal, call the 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.
∎ 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 rabies' first sign, the release said. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. A rabid animal may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable or appear particularly passive and lethargic. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes seen.
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. State law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots.
For information, go to www.westchestergov.com/health or call the Rabies Infoline at (914) 813-5010.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Aggressive Peekskill groundhog tests positive for rabies
