Rabid raccoon found in Manorville, Suffolk health department says

June 28, 2026 - 23:38

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has confirmed that a raccoon discovered in the Manorville area tested positive for rabies. Officials announced the finding on Tuesday, urging residents to take precautions. The animal was located near the intersection of County Road 111 and Wading River Road, a relatively busy corridor in the central part of the county.

Health department staff are now working to identify any potential human or pet exposures that may have occurred before the raccoon was collected. Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is typically spread through the saliva of an infected animal, most often via a bite.

Residents are reminded to avoid contact with wild animals, especially those acting strangely or appearing overly friendly. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats are common carriers in the region. Anyone who sees an animal behaving erratically should contact local animal control rather than approaching it.

Pet owners are also advised to ensure their dogs, cats, and ferrets are up to date on rabies vaccinations. Suffolk County law requires all pets to be vaccinated. If a pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, owners should contact a veterinarian immediately. Anyone who may have been bitten or had direct contact with a raccoon in the Manorville area is urged to call the health department for guidance.