Who Dropped Off a Raccoon That Tested Positive for Rabies in Dutchess County?

Health officials are currently trying to locate the people who brought a raccoon into a Dutchess County animal hospital that has tested positive for rabies. Can you help?

The Dutchess County Department of Health is asking for the public’s help in locating two individuals after a raccoon that was brought to Rhinebeck Animal Hospital tested positive for rabies.

Rabid Raccoon in Rhinebeck, NY

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Rhinebeck, NY

According to Dutchess County Government, the raccoon was brought to the animal hospital last week by two individuals. The problem is that those individuals did not provide their contact information to hospital employees, and they didn't provide details about exactly where the raccoon was found.

That has health officials concerned because anyone who may have come into contact with the animal could potentially have been exposed to rabies.

Who Dropped Off Rabid Raccoon in Dutchess County, NY?

The Dutchess County Department of Health is asking the two people who brought the raccoon to Rhinebeck Animal Hospital, located at 6450 Montgomery St. in Rhinebeck, or anyone who knows who they are, to contact the Health Department as soon as possible.

Officials are also asking anyone who may have had direct contact with a raccoon or another wild animal behaving unusually in the Rhinebeck area to get in touch with the Health Department as soon as possible.

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Rabies is a serious viral disease that can be fatal once symptoms develop, but the good news is that it is preventable when someone who has been exposed receives treatment promptly. That’s why health officials are stressing the importance of reporting any potential exposure.

Rabid Raccoon in Dutchess County, NY

What to Do If You Encounter Wildlife

If you or your pet had direct contact with a raccoon or other wildlife that was acting strangely in the Rhinebeck area, you should contact the Dutchess County Department of Health immediately. The Health Department can be reached Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (845) 486-3404. For nights and weekends, call (845) 320-1656.

And as always, if you come across wildlife that appears sick, injured, or is behaving unusually, don't try to approach or handle the animal yourself. Keep your distance and contact the appropriate authorities.