A cow on a farm in southwest Livingston County has tested positive for rabies, the Livingston County Department of Health reported Wednesday.
The positive test followed laboratory testing conducted Monday, Sept. 14. Health officials said there is no current risk to the general public, and there is no evidence of an increased risk to livestock outside the affected farm.
Two farmers were exposed to the sick cow and are receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, as a precaution, county health officials said.
The Livingston County Department of Health is working with the County Board of Health and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. State agriculture officials have recommended immediate rabies vaccination of the affected
herd to prevent additional infections.
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.
“While finding rabies in livestock is uncommon, the general public is not at risk,” Dr. Joan Flender, medical director of the Livingston County Department of Health, said in a statement.
Anyone who believes they had direct contact with the infected cow should contact the Livingston County Department of Health so the circumstances can be evaluated.
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’re old enough for vaccination
- Keep pets indoors at night
- Avoid attracting wildlife: feed pets indoors, seal entry points to your home and keep birdseed or other food sources off your property
- Teach children to avoid unknown animals, report any bites or scratches to an adult
- Stay indoors if wild animals enter your property — 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: Cow tests positive for rabies at New York farm; 2 farmers receiving treatment
