A coyote that attacked three people and half a dozen dogs in Westchester County on Monday has tested positive for rabies, according to county officials.
The incidents occurred in the area of Easchester and Bronxville on March 9, specifically near Siwanoy Country Club and Twin Lakes Park, a county official said. Eastchester police believe they located and euthanized the coyote that had been involved in those attacks, but warned there may be other coyotes in the area.
Residents have been warned that young children and pets should not be left unattended in yards, and extra precautions should be taken when walking dogs.
County officials urge anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal to seek medical attention, and anyone who may have had contact with a wild or stray animal is advised to contact a health care provider and contact the county’s Health Department immediately.
Signs of rabies
Health officials warn that unusual behavior can be a first sign of a rabid animal. Any creature being uncommonly aggressive or unusually tame, losing its fear of people, acting irritable, excitable or lethargic could potentially have rabies.
Staggering or frothing at the mouth are observable symptoms as well.
How do animals get rabies?
Rabies is most commonly seen in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, deer, groundhogs and coyotes, according to the New York State Department of Health. However, any mammal can be infected, including household pets, like dogs and cats, and other domestic animals such as horses and livestock.
The virus is transmitted by infected animals through their saliva. They can infect people and animals through a bite or if their saliva gets into another mammal’s eyes, nose, mouth or a break in the skin.
The virus attacks the central nervous system and can be transmitted from infected mammals to humans and other mammals, including pets if they are not vaccinated. Animals of all ages can be infected with rabies, including very young animals. Rabid animals are present all year round in New York State, but the risk of encountering a rabid animal is much higher in the summer as people spend more time outdoors.
Exposure to a rabid animal does not always result in rabies. If treatment is initiated promptly following a rabies exposure, rabies can be prevented. However, if a rabies exposure is not treated and a person develops clinical signs of rabies, the disease almost always results in death.
Rabid animals have been found in all counties in New York. Last year, the Department’s Wadsworth Center Rabies Laboratory confirmed rabies in 313 wild and domestic animals.