Two Rabid Raccoons Reported in Kings Park

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is reporting that two raccoons found in Kings Park have tested positive for rabies.

A raccoon and a dog had a physical encounter outside a Kings Park residence on September 28 and another raccoon had physical encounter with a dog outside a different Kings Park residence on September 29. One person at each residence was exposed to each raccoon.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services was notified of the positive results by the Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health on October 1. The individuals received post exposure treatment and both dogs, that were vaccinated against rabies, received booster shots from their veterinarians.

These are the 50th and 51st 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