A second cow on a farm in southwest Livingston County has tested positive for rabies, the Livingston County Department of Health reported Thursday, one day after county health officials announced the first rabid cow on the same property.
"This positive result was anticipated as part of the ongoing investigation and response efforts following the initial case," county health officials said.
The initial positive test followed laboratory testing conducted Monday, Sept. 14.
Health officials said there is no current risk to the general public and that the second positive test does not represent a new geographic area of concern. There are no other pending exposures.
"While a second positive animal is concerning, it was not unexpected given the circumstances
of the investigation," Dr. Joan Flender, medical director for the Livingston County Department of Health, said in a news release.
"Our team continues to work with state and agricultural partners to ensure appropriate precautions are taken to protect both animal and human health."
What to know about rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can infect all mammals, including livestock.
The virus is generally spread through the saliva or nervous tissue of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite. People can be exposed when infectious material comes into contact with a bite, scratch, open wound, or the eyes, nose or mouth.
Anyone who believes they had direct contact with an infected cow should contact the Livingston County Department of Health so the circumstances can be evaluated.
Two farmers exposed to the sick animals are receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, as a precaution, county health officials said.
Residents should not approach, handle or attempt to care for an animal suspected of having rabies.
Anyone who believes they have been bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to a potentially rabid animal should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and promptly contact the Health Department or a health care provider.
All potential rabies exposures should be reported to the Livingston County Department of Health at (585) 243-7280.
Livingston County rabies vaccination clinic
The Livingston County Health Department offers rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets.
The next clinic is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Babcock Park in Dansville. Appointments are required.
Residents can register through the county's rabies clinic page.
For more information, contact the Livingston County Department of Health at 585-243-7280 or visit livingstoncountyny.gov/eh.
How to protect yourself from rabies
The New York State Department of Health offers these tips to avoid rabies exposure:
- Never feed or touch wild animals.
- Vaccinate your pets and keep their shots up to date.
- Keep young pets indoors until they are old enough for vaccination.
- Keep pets indoors at night.
- Avoid attracting wildlife by feeding pets indoors, sealing entry points to your home and keeping birdseed or other food sources off your property.
- Teach children to avoid unknown animals and report any bites or scratches to an adult.
- Stay indoors if wild animals enter your property and allow them to leave on their own.
- Use professional wildlife removal services for animals inside your home.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Second cow tests positive for rabies at New York farm
