Reporting Rabies Exposures

Yates County Public Health staff is available around the clock to respond to rabies questions and potential exposures. To report a possible rabies exposure or animal bite during business hours call Yates County Public Health at 315-536-5160. To report a possible rabies exposure or animal bite after hours, call the Yates County Sheriff’s Office at 315-536-4438 and ask for the Public Health staff on call.

About Rabies

Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through a bite or exposure to the saliva of a rabid animal. Human cases of rabies are rare in the United States due to pet vaccination programs and the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). In 2015, Yates County had 3 raccoons and one fox test positive for rabies. Keep your pets and family safe by ensuring pets have a current rabies vaccination and avoid contact with wild animals. Report any animal bites or contact with wild animals to Yates County Public Health.

All puppies and kittens need to be vaccinated at 3 months of age. Until pets are vaccinated and for 2 weeks after vaccination, owners need to take extra precaution to protect puppies and kittens from rabies exposure. Pets should not be taken to dog parks or other public places until all of their vaccinations are up to date.

Steps to Avoid Exposure to Rabies

• Avoid contact with any wild animals, including feral cats.
• Don’t feed, touch or adopt stray animals.
• Don’t attract animals to your home or yard by leaving out food.
• Tightly cap garbage cans.
• Board up any openings in your attic, basement, or garage.
• Tell children not to touch any animal that they do not know and to get permission from the pet’s owner first.
• Encourage children to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten by an animal.