Raccoon with rabies.

CANTON — The New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory has notified the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department (SLCPHD) that a raccoon in the Gouverneur area has tested positive for rabies, submitted by the SLCPHD. 

Twenty-five animals have tested positive for rabies in St. Lawrence County so far this year.

Rabies is a deadly virus spread through the saliva or brain tissue of infected animals, most commonly through bites or scratches. 

Wild animals most likely to carry rabies include raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. 

Domestic animals, including cats and dogs, can also become infected after contact with rabid wildlife.

SLCPHD urges residents to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets:

• Report all animal bites or possible rabies exposures to St. Lawrence County Public Health at (315) 386-2325.
• Avoid feeding, touching, or adopting wild animals or stray pets.
• If a bat is found in a home or other occupied space, carefully capture it in a container without making direct contact, and contact SLCPHD. Retaining the bat for testing is important because it can help determine whether rabies exposure occurred and whether treatment is necessary.
• Keep pets and livestock up to date on rabies vaccinations, including indoor cats.
• Supervise pets outdoors and feed them indoors.
• Wash any bite or scratch wounds immediately and seek medical attention if exposed to a suspected rabid animal.
• Reduce attractions for wildlife by securing garbage, compost, birdseed, and pet food.
• Contact an animal control officer if a wild animal is living near your home.
• If your pet or livestock may have been exposed to a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian and Public Health immediately.

Wild animals may be submitted for rabies testing if they have had contact with humans or pets, or if they display unusual behavior. 

If possible, safely contain the animal for testing and report the incident to Public Health.

The 2026 free rabies clinic schedule is available on the St. Lawrence County website. 

For more information about rabies prevention, visit the St. Lawrence County Rabies Control Program or call the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department at (315) 386-2325.