Person scratched by rabid racoon in Manorville
The person made contact with the racoon on his property in Manorville, and tests by the Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health confirmed the animal was rabid.
A racoon that scratched a person in Manorville has tested positive for rabies.
The person made contact with the racoon on his property in Manorville, and tests by the Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health confirmed the animal was rabid, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
The test marked the 31st positive terrestrial rabies confirmation in Suffolk since Feb. 7. All previous cases were in western Suffolk, and the county's Department of Health Services said it believed the animal was likely relocated, possibly by another person.
Officials are asking anyone who may have transported a racoon from western Long Island to Manorville to contact the Department of Health Services at 631-854-0333 or 631-852-4820. The department also reminded residents not to touch or transport wild animals.
Anyone who sees an abnormally acting racoon is urged to call the Suffolk County Police Department's non-emergency number at 631-852-2677 or the state's Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250.
