OTSELIC – The Chenango County Health Department has confirmed that one case of rabies has been detected in an animal found in Beaver Meadow. In the small hamlet, located between the towns of Plymouth and Otselic on the northern side of Chenango County, a rabid skunk was found.
Beaver Meadow resident James Lepera and his wife noticed that the animal was behaving in a strange fashion. The Leperas said the skunk had been involved in an altercation with their dog, a pit bull, and had acted in an aggressive manner toward members of the family. Because of the skunk’s odd behavior, it was shot, and the Leperas contacted the health department to determine if the animal was indeed infected.
According to Health Department Director Glenn Kaiser, testing showed that the animal was infected with rabies. Although the Leperas’ dog had received a current rabies shot, Kaiser explained that secondary contamination was still a potential issue. The Leperas had examined their animal after the altercation, and according to Kaiser, doing so could potentially expose the owners to the rabies virus as well.
“Our concern would be, if there is ever an altercation between a domestic pet and a wild animal, it’s always the best idea not to have contact with the animal for several hours, or if you do, to wear a heavy work glove,” Kaiser said. He explained that if a person has an open wound and allows it to come into contact with saliva from a rabid animal, they may become infected themselves.
The Health Department Director said a similar incident was reported in the Sherburne area in September. At that time a raccoon tested positive for the disease.
“People should be aware all the time,” Kaiser said, explaining that encountering a rabid animal was a possibility throughout New York state.
Animals with rabies may exhibit strange outward behaviors. Kaiser explained that these behaviors could be one of two extremes. The animal could be acting extremely aggressive, or it could be acting very docile with a fixed glassy stare. In the end stages of the illness, an animal may be unable to swallow, exhibit changes in the sound of the noises they make, and during the very last stages, the animal may exhibit paralysis and be unable to move their hind quarters. Kaiser explained that the entire process may take as little as five days.
All domestic animals should have a current rabies vaccine to lessen the possibility of contracting rabies. If an animal comes into contact with a rabid animal and has not been vaccinated, it must be strictly quarantined for six months. “If an animal has been properly vaccinated, and the vaccine is current, it’s very safe,” Kaiser said, explaining that the animal would need nothing but a booster shot within five days of the incident.
The Chenango County Department of Health will be holding the last of its rabies clinics from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Norwich City Fire Department.
Kaiser explained that if anyone thinks they have a rabid animal on their hands, the first thing they should do is to contact the Department of Health at 337-1673. Even during evenings and weekends, Kaiser explained that someone is always on call and will be available to address their problems.