Rabid Raccoons Found in Bay Shore and East Islip

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is reporting that raccoons found in Bay Shore and East Islip tested positive for rabies.

A raccoon that appeared ill was found outside a residence in Bay Shore on October 27. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation responded, and the raccoon was submitted for rabies testing. There were no reported human or pet exposures.

A dead raccoon was found outside a residence in East Islip on October 22. The raccoon was collected by an animal control officer with the Town of Islip Animal Shelter and submitted for rabies testing. There were no reported human or pet exposures, however, it is believed this raccoon may have been transported to the location in East Islip by an unknown individual.

The Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health notified the Suffolk County Department of Health Services that both raccoons tested positive for rabies on October 30.

Officials are asking anyone who may have transported a raccoon to East Islip on October 21 to contact the Department of Health Services at 631-854-0333 weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 631-852-4820 outside business hours. This exposure could pose a significant risk to their health.

These are the 58^th and 59^th positive terrestrial rabies confirmations since February 7, 2025.

Rabies, a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, is most often seen among wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, but any mammal can be infected with rabies. Residents are reminded not to touch, or transport, wild animals.

Anyone who sees an abnormally acting raccoon is asked to call the Suffolk County Police Department non-emergency number at 631-852-COPS or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250.

For more information on rabies and prevention, visit https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Diseases-and-Illness/Report-Animal-Bites