WAMPSVILLE — The Madison County Public Health Department reported its third positive case of rabies this year. In January, a raccoon in the town of Lenox tested positive for the rabies virus, followed by a fox in the town of Nelson in April. This month a raccoon in the town of Brookfield tested positive for rabies.

To date this year, five dogs that fought with a rabid animal were not vaccinated or current on their rabies vaccination and were euthanized. The Department urges residents to vaccinate their pets to protect them and yourself.

“Rabies is a deadly but preventable virus. Each year Madison County Public Health holds several rabies clinics for pets, all free of charge to Madison County residents. Donations are accepted and go to offset clinic costs,” said Environmental Health Director Aaron Lazzara.

Rabies is spread through saliva. When an unvaccinated pet comes into contact with a rabid animal, they may face a strict quarantine for six months at the owner’s expense, costing on average of $300 or more, or the animal may need to be humanely euthanized.

The Madison County Public Health Department recommends these precautions to prevent the spread of rabies:

• Make sure your pet is up to date in their rabies vaccinations, especially dogs and cats.
• Make an appointment at an upcoming clinic: https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/440/Rabies-Clinics
• Never approach or pet a domesticated animal you do not know or a wild animal.
• If an animal acts strangely, call your local animal control officer or county health department for guidance.
• If an animal bites you, seek medical treatment. Report the animal bite to Madison County Public Health at 315-366-2526.
• If an adult or animal control officer can safely capture and/or euthanize a wild animal, contact Madison County Public Health to ask about testing the animal for rabies. Rabies testing may avoid unnecessary treatment for a person or euthanizing a pet if a suspect animal tests negative for rabies.

Madison County Public Health rabies clinics are by appointment only and free to Madison County residents. A $5 donation per pet is appreciated. Out of County pet owners are limited to four pets per household. All animals must be properly restrained (leash and collar/harness or cage/pet carrier).

Appointments are available online or call 315-366-2526

Upcoming clinics:

• By appointment Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bridgeport Elementary School, 9076 N Road, Bridgeport
• By appointment Wednesday, June 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Madison County Highway Garage in Wampsville, 139 N. Court St., Wampsville
• By appointment Tuesday, July 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Town of Cazenovia Highway Dept., 3425 Constine Bridge Road, Cazenovia
• Proof of prior vaccination is required to qualify for a 3-year certificate.

For more information about rabies, contact Madison County Public Health at 315-366-2526 or go to www.healthymadisoncounty.org.