BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Some animals are just coming out of hibernation, but New York’s Essex County has already reported its first case of rabies for the year.
A skunk picked up as roadkill at the end of March tested positive for the virus that impacts the central nervous system.
According to the Essex County Health Department director, last year saw a lot of rabies activity in the county, with 13 cases. That’s the highest number since 2019.
The Health Department recommends you keep livestock and pets up to date with rabies vaccines, tightly cap garbage cans or other food sources for wild animals, and keep an eye on your pets while they’re outside.