Feral cat tests positive for rabies in Nassau County

The Nassau County Department of Health announced that a feral cat was found in Cedarhurst by the Town of Hempstead and has tested positive for rabies. Analysis was performed by the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory. This marks the first reported case of rabies in Nassau County since 2016, when a raccoon was identified with the disease.

“We urge all residents to avoid contact with feral and wild animals and to ensure their pets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations,” Nassau Health Commissioner Irina Gelman said in a news release. “The detection of rabies in our county after several years of no reported cases is a stark reminder of the ongoing risk, and it’s crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our community.”

In an effort to protect pets and prevent the spread of rabies, Nassau County Department of Health has partnered with the Town of Hempstead to offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets. Open to all Nassau County residents, the vaccination clinic will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter located at 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh.

“The Town of Hempstead is proud to partner with Nassau County for this rabies clinic, which will help not only safeguard our pets but also shield our communities from a deadly and preventable disease," Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said in a news release.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times and cats and ferrets must be in enclosed carriers. It is recommended for dogs, cats, and ferrets older than four months to receive their first two shots one year apart and additional booster shots every three years thereafter.

Rabies is a viral disease that is spread to humans and pets primarily through bites, scratches, or salivary contact from an infected animal.

To protect from exposure to possible rabies:

• Don't feed or touch wild animals, stray cats, or dogs.
• Ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations, including dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and livestock. Vaccination protects pets if they are exposed to rabid animals. Pets too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors and allowed outside only under direct observation.
• Keep family pets indoors at night. Don't leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.
• Do not feed unknown animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
• Advise family members against approaching any unknown animal – wild or domestic – especially those acting unusually.
• If a wild animal is on nearby, let it wander away and bring children and pets indoors. Contact a nuisance wildlife control expert who will remove the animal from the property for a fee.
• Do not touch dying or dead animals.  If they must be moved, use a shovel, wear heavy rubber gloves and double bag the carcass.

New York State law requires all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies.  If an unvaccinated pet or one that’s overdue for its vaccination comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be euthanized or strictly quarantined for up to six months.  However, if a vaccinated animal comes into contact with a wild animal, it needs only a booster vaccination which must be administered within five days of exposure. To protect families and pets, it is essential that animals have up-to-date rabies vaccination.

Individuals bitten or scratched by any animal should immediately contact their physicians or seek medical help at a hospital emergency room and then call the Nassau County Department of Health at 516-227-9663. 

Additionally, residents are asked to report any dead, sick or abnormal acting animals by emailing rabies@nassaucountyny.gov for possible collection and rabies testing.

For additional information on rabies visit the Nassau County Department of Health website.