Home / Health / Rabies Alert: Raccoon Tests Positive in Franklin County
Rabies Alert: Raccoon Tests Positive in Franklin County
11 Jul
Summary
- Third rabies case confirmed in Franklin County this year.
- A raccoon in the Town of Bombay tested positive for rabies.
- Residents urged to vaccinate pets and avoid wildlife contact.
Franklin County Public Health has announced the third confirmed rabies case of 2026. A raccoon from the Town of Bombay recently tested positive for the disease. This marks the third incident this year, with previous cases involving a bat in the Town of Moira in May and a raccoon on the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Territory in June.
County health officials are urging residents to take immediate steps to mitigate rabies risk. This includes ensuring all pets are vaccinated, either through free county clinics or a private veterinarian. It is crucial to avoid any contact with wild animals, including stray dogs and cats, and to report any unusual animal behavior or potential exposure.
Further preventative measures include keeping pets supervised, especially outdoors, and eliminating potential attractants for wildlife such as unsecured garbage and accessible pet food. Residents should also seal any openings in their homes or outbuildings that could provide entry for wild animals. Any incidents involving animal bites or contact with wildlife must be reported to the county health department promptly.
