THERESA, N.Y. (WWTI) - A raccoon in the Town of Theresa has tested positive for rabies, marking the 20th rabies-positive animal in the county this year.
The New York State Department of Health Wadsworth laboratory confirmed the rabies case, which was reported to the Jefferson County Public Health Service. The raccoon was submitted for testing by the United States Department of Agriculture, and there are no known human or pet exposures.
This year, Jefferson County has seen a total of 20 animals test positive for rabies, including two foxes, one bobcat, one bat, two skunks, and 13 other raccoons. These cases have been mapped by municipality and are available online for public viewing.
Rabies is a fatal disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord, and symptoms can take weeks to months t