Rabid Raccoon Found in Smithtown

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is reporting that a raccoon found in Smithtown has tested positive for rabies.

A raccoon that appeared to be ill was found outside a Smithtown residence by a member of the public on September 15. The Suffolk County Police Department Emergency Service Section officers responded, and the raccoon was transported for rabies testing. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services was notified of the positive result by the Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health on September 18.

A pet dog may have been exposed to the raccoon. The dog's rabies vaccine was current, and it was brought to a veterinarian for a booster. There were no reported human exposures.

New York State and Suffolk County laws require that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinating pets not only provides protection for the animals but also acts as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people. For information on lost cost vaccination options, contact a veterinarian or a municipal animal shelter.

This is the 27th positive terrestrial rabies confirmation in 2026 and the 46th 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