Rabid Raccoons In New York City

July 27, 2009

Several rabid raccoons have been found in Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx in recent weeks. That is prompting the New York City Health Department to issue a warning.

Pet owners should make sure their animals are vaccinated against rabies.

The health department says people should avoid contact will any raccoons, skunks, bats, stray dogs and cats and other wild animals that can carry rabies.

Six rabid animals – all raccoons – have been identified in New York City this year. Four were found in the Bronx, one in Manhattan (near Inwood Hill Park), and one in Queens (Long Island City).

Raccoons are the most commonly reported rabid animals in New York City. Rabid raccoons are a relatively common occurrence in Staten Island and the Bronx, but rare in Queens and Manhattan. Bats with rabies have also been found in all five boroughs.

People and unvaccinated animals can get rabies, most often through a bite from an infected animal. Infection leads to a severe brain disease that causes death unless the person is treated promptly after being bitten.

People who see wild animals, as well as any animal that seems sick, disoriented or unusually placid or aggressive should be reported by calling 311.

Dr. Burns writes article for Blue Book Magazine published by the Metropoitan Dog Club

May 4, 2009

Throughout the course of a day, veterinarians here in New York City can be certain that several dogs will be brought in for diarrhea. Even though there are numerous possible causes, one or two of these dogs will have a parasite called giardia.

Please click on the PDF link below for the published article.

Giardia_for_Blue_Book_by_Dr._Burns.pdf