Rabies Alert
Wayne County Reports Three New Rabies Cases; One Human Exposed, Vaccination Clinics Scheduled
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Wayne County public health officials have confirmed three rabies cases in less than two weeks, including a barn cat, a raccoon, and a domestic cat — and at least one person has been exposed and is now receiving treatment, according to Democrat & Chronicle.
The cases are clustered in the Lyons, Sodus, and Galen areas of rural Wayne County. Officials are urging residents to vaccinate their pets and avoid contact with wild animals. Two emergency vaccination clinics are now scheduled for later this month.
Three Cases in 14 Days Spark Urgent Warning
The outbreak unfolded quickly. A domestic cat in the Lyons area was the first confirmed case, identified in late May 2026. Then, on June 3, a raccoon from the Lyons/Sodus area tested positive at the state's Wadsworth Laboratory, according to Ithaca Journal. A week later, on June 10, a barn cat in Galen became the third confirmed case.
The Galen barn cat case is the most serious. A person came into contact with the animal and is now undergoing Post-Exposure Prophylaxis — a series of shots that prevent the virus from taking hold. A full PEP series costs around $7,000 in New York State. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making early treatment critical.
Virus Jumping From Wildlife Into Domestic Animals
Rabies is always present in New York's wildlife. Raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes are the main carriers. But officials are concerned that the virus is now crossing into animals that live close to people. Both the barn cat and the domestic cat had contact with humans, creating a direct path from the woods to front doors.
Wayne County Rabies Coordinator Robin Longer, RN, warned that "all mammals — including unvaccinated dogs, cats, and livestock — can become infected." Barn cats are especially risky because farmers often skip vaccinations for animals they view as working tools rather than pets. That gap in coverage helps the virus spread, according to Record Online.
Free Pet Vaccination Clinics Set for June 25 and 27
Wayne County has scheduled two drive-thru vaccination clinics for domestic pets. The first is June 25 at the Lyons School District bus garage. The second is June 27 at the Town of Wolcott Highway Department. Each vehicle may bring up to five animals, according to Utica OD.
New York State law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to get their first rabies vaccine by four months of age. Pets that are not up to date are considered legally unvaccinated. If an unvaccinated pet is exposed to a rabid animal, it faces mandatory six-month confinement — or euthanasia.
What Residents Should Do Right Now
Officials say to call 315-946-5749 immediately after any bite or scratch from a wild or unknown animal. After hours, call 911. Do not wait. The sooner treatment starts, the better. Residents should also watch for wildlife acting strangely — stumbling, acting too friendly, or showing aggression in daylight hours.
Pet owners with outdoor cats are being asked to bring them inside now. Officials also want residents to stop leaving out food that attracts raccoons and other wildlife. Keeping pets vaccinated and wildlife away from yards are the two biggest steps families can take to stay safe, according to Ithaca Journal.
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