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August 24, 2006
Dear Lloyd Harbor Resident:
We are writing to inform Village
residents about an incident that recently occurred in Lloyd Harbor. At 2:00 p.m., on August 18, 2006, the Lloyd Harbor Police
Department responded to a call from a West Neck Road resident who reported
that there was a raccoon on the property that was acting abnormally.
The Village Police determined that the raccoon “was in
distress” and euthanized the animal. The raccoon was then transported to the Suffolk County
Department of Health for rabies testing.
On August 23, 2006, the Department of Health notified the Village
of Lloyd Harbor that “terrestrial animal rabies has been confirmed in a
raccoon found in Suffolk County,” and also that “there was no known
contact with humans and pets.”
Dr. Brian L. Harper, M.D., M.P.H.,
commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, stated
in a Press Release issued yesterday:
“The Suffolk County Department of Health Services will implement
an appropriate plan of action as necessary to protect the public’s
health as advised by the United State Department of Agriculture and the
New York State Department of Health.
It should be emphasized that this was not a human case and
there is not immediate need for alarm.
However, it is recommended that Suffolk County residents take
appropriate precautions.”
Precautions are as follows: New York State and Suffolk County law requires that all dogs,
cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinating your pet not only provides protection for the
animal; vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies from spreading
between wild animals and people. It
is very important to make sure that these animals, as well as livestock
and horses, have current rabies vaccinations.
To further protect yourself from
possible exposure to rabies:
●Keep dogs, cats, and ferrets on
a leash and keep livestock confined in the evening.
●Do not have contact with any
animal other than your own.
● Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and
discourage them from seeking food near your home.
●Do not
touch dead or dying animals. Use
a shovel, wear rubber gloves, and double bag the carcass, if you need to
move them.
●Do
not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it
is acting in an unusual way.
●Keep garbage cans tightly
covered and avoid storing any food outside.
●Children should be advised to
tell an adult immediately if they are bitten or scratched by any
animal.
The public is further asked to report
sightings of abnormally acting raccoons, skunks, and foxes to the
Suffolk County Police Department by calling 631-852-COPS.
Sightings of dead raccoons, skunks, and foxes in the
Town of Huntington only, should be reported to Suffolk County Department
of Health Services by calling 631-853-8405, Monday through Friday, between
the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
As always, you also can contact the Lloyd Harbor Village Police at
631-549-8220 or on the emergency line at 631-549-8800.
Thank you for your help in this
matter.
Cordially,
Leland Hairr
Mayor |
