St. Lawrence County reports 24 confirmed animal rabies cases this year
St. Lawrence County has reported 24 confirmed rabies cases in animals so far this year, compared with one case last year.
By the ClickNNY North Country Desk
St. Lawrence County has recorded 24 confirmed rabies cases in animals so far this year, compared with one case in all of last year. The county has conducted 171 rabies tests this year, up from 145 during all of last year.
Animals identified as rabid included bats, cats, raccoons, a skunk and a bobcat. County Public Health recommends keeping pets current on vaccinations and reporting animal bites or possible rabies exposures to the department. Public health officials said the increase may involve multiple factors, including virus variations and increased testing, and that rabies cases are also rising across the United States.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
More from ClickNNY
Guides and features from across the North Country.
ClickNNY Guide · Community
Protecting hibernating bats in St. Lawrence County: what to know
New York residents, including those in St. Lawrence County, can help protect hibernating bats by avoiding restricted caves and mines, limiting tree removal during the winter, and using trained wildlife professionals for bats in homes.
ClickNNY Special Report · Technology
The Good. The Bad. The Rogue.
AI agents are here, working for us, being used against us and, it appears, sometimes doing what nobody told them to. What it means for North Country jobs, money and privacy, and what is still unanswered.
ClickNNY Guide · Community
Halloween poisoning hazards in the North Country: what parents should know
The Upstate New York Poison Center advises families to secure medicines, cannabis, alcohol, batteries and Halloween products, and to call its free 24/7 helpline at 1-800-222-1222 after a possible poisoning.