Rabid Raccoon Found in Wyandanch Prompts County Health Alert

Suffolk County Department of Health Services reported on Jan. 6, 2026 that a dead raccoon discovered in Wyandanch during Christmas week tested positive for rabies, a diagnosis confirmed by the Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health. County officials said there was no human contact with the animal.

This is the first confirmed locally acquired terrestrial rabies case in Suffolk County in 2026 and the 20th such case since Jan. 28, 2025. Before 2025, Suffolk had not reported a locally acquired terrestrial rabies case since 2009. Most recent detections have involved raccoons and one feral cat found in a cluster of southwestern Suffolk communities including Amityville, Deer Park, Lindenhurst and Wyandanch.

Rabies is a viral disease typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly by bites. Infected wildlife may display abnormal behavior such as unprovoked aggression, disorientation, stumbling or paralysis. The county release reiterated that New York State and Suffolk County law require vaccination of dogs, cats and ferrets and urged residents to keep vaccinations current to protect families and pets.

Public health measures remain active. Surveillance of wildlife is ongoing, and the county is continuing a raccoon rabies baiting program conducted with USDA Wildlife Services aimed at vaccinating wild raccoons through oral bait distribution. The program is one component of a broader effort to limit spread and protect human and animal health.

Officials offered practical steps for residents to reduce risk: keep pets leashed and under supervision, do not feed or approach wildlife, double-bag carcasses, and report abnormally acting animals. Residents are asked to report sightings of unusual raccoon behavior to Suffolk County Police at 631-852-COPS or to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250. Animal bites should be reported to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-854-0333 on weekdays or 631-852-4820 after hours.

The reappearance of locally acquired terrestrial rabies after a long gap highlights gaps in wildlife disease surveillance and the importance of accessible veterinary care and community outreach. Residents should ensure pets are vaccinated and contact county health authorities with concerns about exposures, unusual wildlife, or animal bites so public health teams can respond quickly.