The New York City Department of Health issued a warning Monday after rabid raccoons were discovered in Central Park.
Officials say two were found in the past week, for a total of three rabid raccoons in recent months.
They say this suggests rabies is spreading among the animals in the park.
New Yorkers are asked to stay away from wild animals and to make sure their pets are vaccinated.
So far this year, 20 rabid animals have been identified in the city.
In May 2009 YWN posted an additional warning regarding racoons in Brooklyn:
The NYC Department of Health is warning parents to be on alert for raccoon roundworm, after a Brooklyn infant and a teenager contracted the disease. The baby has permanent brain damage and the teen has lost sight in one eye.
The infection is caused by coming in contact with feces from an infected raccoon. The intestinal roundworm develops in a raccoon intestine, and lays millions of eggs that are then passed through the raccoon. The eggs can survive for years. Young children are potentially at a higher risk, because they spend time outdoors and may put dirty fingers in their mouths.
Symptoms of raccoon roundworm can include nausea, fatigue, lack of coordination, loss of muscle control and blindness.
Suspected cases should be reported to the New York City Department of Health at 212-788-9830. After hours, contact the Poison Control Center at 212-764-7667.
It has become common to see racoons in the heart of Brooklyn (Flatbush) every night.
(Source: NY1)
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6 Responses
We had last year a two raccoon and one opposum fight in our yard over Pesach. It sounded like two cats fighting. What a racket!
hOW DO YOU KNOW IF A RACOON IS Rabid?
we have them swarming our block
If you see an animal out at a time when it usually isn’t, it might be sick. Also, if an animal is unusally tame or unusually wild, it might be sick. Best thing is to avoid stray animals.
A raccoon is a nocturnal animal. Chances are if you seen them during the day in a populated area, they very possibly are rabid. Secondly, a rabid raccoon is not afraid to approach or attack you. A well raccoon will run if he sees you. Thirdly, a rabid raccoon will not drink water as it is an aversion to a rabid aniumal. Finally, foaming at the mouth is a good omen for considering an animal rabid.
Tell your kids to stay away from them if they see them. Unfortunately many kid’s books, cartoons, movies, etc. make raccoons out to be cute, cuddly, friendly animals. WARN your kids!!!