Rabid Raccoon Found in Oakdale

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

A raccoon was found dead on a residential street in Oakdale on October 14. The raccoon was picked up by an animal control officer with the Town of Islip Animal Shelter. The Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health notified the Suffolk County Department of Health Services that the raccoon tested positive for rabies on October 23. There was no reported human or pet exposure.

This is the 55th positive terrestrial rabies confirmation 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