Two More Rabid Raccoons Confirmed in Suffolk County as Officials Warn Residents

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County health officials are warning residents to use caution around wildlife after two additional raccoons tested positive for rabies in Bay Shore and Babylon, bringing the county’s number of confirmed terrestrial rabies cases to 44 since February 2025. (News 12 - Default)

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services was notified of the positive laboratory results on Friday, September 11, according to reports citing information provided by county health officials. (FOX 5 New York)

One of the raccoons was found dead on a resident’s property in Bay Shore. An animal control officer from the Islip Animal Shelter recovered the animal and submitted it for testing. Officials reported no known human or pet exposures connected with that raccoon. (FOX 5 New York)

The second case involved a visibly ill raccoon found outside a residence in Babylon on September 9. A resident came into contact with the animal and sought medical attention. Officials said the resident is currently in good health. No other human or pet exposures were reported. (FOX 5 New York)

Suffolk County Police Emergency Service Section officers later located the Babylon raccoon and arranged for it to be tested. (FOX 5 New York)

The two animals represent the 43rd and 44th confirmed terrestrial rabies cases in Suffolk County since February 7, 2025, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. (News 12 - Default)

Suffolk County Responding to Rabies Threat

The latest cases come as Suffolk County continues an expanded effort to prevent the spread of rabies among the county’s wildlife population.

The Department of Health Services began its fall oral rabies vaccination program this week in response to the reappearance of terrestrial rabies in Suffolk County in 2025. (Suffolk County Government)

From September 8 through October 1, approximately 240,000 oral rabies vaccine baits are scheduled to be distributed throughout the towns of Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown and Islip. (Suffolk County Government)

The bait is designed to vaccinate raccoons when they eat it, creating a barrier of vaccinated animals intended to slow or stop the virus from spreading farther east across Suffolk County. (Suffolk County Government)

County workers are distributing the bait from marked vehicles in areas where raccoons are likely to travel, including woods, storm drains, sumps, shrubs and hedges in residential neighborhoods. (Suffolk County Government)

What Suffolk County Residents Should Do

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and can infect mammals, including raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, pets and livestock. Suffolk County officials stress that keeping dogs, cats and ferrets current on rabies vaccinations is one of the most important steps residents can take to protect both animals and people. (Suffolk County Government)

Residents should avoid approaching, feeding or touching wild animals or unfamiliar dogs and cats.

Pet owners should keep animals indoors at night, avoid allowing pets to roam unattended and make sure rabies vaccinations are up to date. Residents should also secure garbage and pet food and avoid leaving food outdoors that could attract wildlife. (Suffolk County Government)

Children should be taught never to touch unfamiliar animals and to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched. (Suffolk County Government)

Anyone bitten by or exposed to a potentially rabid animal should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. Animal bites and contact with wild animals should also be reported to Suffolk County health officials. (Suffolk County Government)

Residents who see a raccoon or other wild animal behaving abnormally are being asked to contact the Suffolk County Police Department’s non-emergency line at 631-852-COPS or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250. (News 12 - Default)

Free Rabies Vaccinations Available Sunday

The warning comes as Suffolk County is offering residents another opportunity to protect their pets.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services and Suffolk County SPCA are scheduled to hold a free rabies vaccination clinic Sunday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Suffolk County SPCA building at the William J. Lindsay County Complex, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway in Smithtown. (Suffolk County Government)

The clinic is open to Suffolk County residents with dogs, cats and ferrets. No appointment is required, although vaccines will be available only while supplies last. (Suffolk County Government)

With additional rabies cases continuing to surface, county officials are urging Long Islanders to remain aware of wildlife around their homes and neighborhoods and to make sure their pets are protected.

Long Island Daily News will continue to follow developments involving rabies cases and animal health across Suffolk County.

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