PUTNAM COUNTY- Three bats found in nearby New Fairfield have prompted Putnam health officials to remind the public to be on the alert for the pesky mammals since New Fairfield borders the New York-Connecticut state line.
New Fairfield Health Director Jennifer Eielson said cases for rabies in her community were “higher than in previous years.”
Putnam Health Director Rian Rodriguez reported Thursday for the first seven months of the year “the county has not had any animals test positive for rabies in Putnam. However, we know that the risk of rabies exposure remains higher during warm weather months. The health department continues to field calls from residents 24/7, through our rabies control program.”
Rodriguez added “one important way to reduce rabies risk is to ensure pets are protected from the virus. “
The Putnam Health Department sponsors three free rabies vaccine clinics throughout the year in March, July, and October. On July 26, residents brought their pets to Hubbard Lodge in Cold Spring where 13 cats and 44 dogs were vaccinated.
Both health officials suggested that the public never handle wild animals and make sure all pets are updated on rabies vaccines as a safeguard.
Eielson said the public should always “contact a nuisance control wildlife officer to handle a bat that may be trapped inside a house or any other building.”
She added that anyone who believes they were exposed to rabies should seek medical attention immediately.
Rodriguez went on further: “Residents who are scratched or bitten by a wild animal or domestic pet should call 845-808-1390 as soon as possible to ensure a prompt assessment and treatment. If it is after hours or on the weekend, the environmental health hotline can be reached by dialing 845-808-1390, extension 3.”
Additional information including how to safety capture a bat is available by visiting: https://putnamcountyny.gov/health/rabies/#Capture-the-bat.