Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Eight new rabid raccoons were found in Central Park in the last two weeks alone, DNAinfo reports.  The Health Department announced the discovery of the eight cases, adding to the 12 reported in 2009, signaling a dramatic increase over years past, when only a single rabid raccoon was reported from 2003 to 2008.  The Health Department, which plans to vaccinate raccoons in an around Central, Morningside, and Riverside Parks to try to slow the spread of the disease, also reported that most of the rabid raccoons were found in the northern portions of Central Park from 79th Street to 110th Street.  In addition to the vaccinations, park workers have increased surveillance for sick or rabid animals, and visitors are encouraged to be on the lookout for strange animal behavior and to call 311 if they notice animals that may be infected.  While there hasn’t been a human infection of rabies since 1953, it is still highly advisable to protect yourself and your pets from the rabid raccoons.  The Health Department partnered with the Central Park Conservancy to give tips to keep humans and pets safe from the rabid raccoons, including:

* Never approach or run past a wild animal
* Remain calm- do not turn, scream, or run
* Avoid direct eye contact
* Keep dogs on leashes

To learn more about rabies and to get more tips, visit the Health Department’s veterinary public health service website.

Filed under: News, Upper West Side, Upper West Side Blog 4 Comments »