Three raccoons test positive for rabies in St. Lawrence County
Three raccoons in the Canton, Brasher Falls and Ogdensburg area tested positive for rabies, bringing St. Lawrence County’s 2026 total to 28, the county Public Health Department says.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
Three raccoons in the Canton, Brasher Falls and Ogdensburg area have tested positive for rabies, according to the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department. The new cases bring the county’s total for 2026 to 28 animals that have tested positive.
The New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Laboratory notified the county department of the results. Two raccoons were submitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and one was submitted by the county health department.
The county’s Rabies Control Program says residents should report animal bites or possible rabies exposures at 315-386-2325. After-hours reports can be made at 315-454-2363.
Residents should wash bite or scratch wounds immediately and seek medical care. The county also advises keeping pets and livestock vaccinated, including indoor cats; supervising pets outside; feeding pets indoors; and securing garbage, compost, birdseed and pet food.
Anyone who finds a bat in a home or other occupied space should avoid direct contact, capture it in a container if it can be done safely, and contact the county health department. Retaining the bat for testing can help determine whether treatment is needed.
Free rabies vaccination clinics are planned. Registration is required, and walk-ins are not accepted. The schedule is posted through the St. Lawrence County Rabies Control Program. The department can be reached on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 315-386-2325.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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