With 8 new cases of Rabies identified in the northern portions of Central Park, from 79th Street to 110th Street, the 2010 cases brings the 2009-2010 total to 20 cases.

The health department has spread oral rabies vaccine bait in the area with the intent to vaccinate the raccoons against this fatal disease. Fliers have been posted in the park and its nearby subway stations advising pet owners to leash their pets, as well as keeping away from animals acting strangely.

Pet owners who choose to walk their dogs in Central Park should review the pets Rabies immunization history. Even with three year Rabies vaccine available, a good rule of thumb is to refresh the pet’s immunity with a booster vaccination. Your local veterinarian of record is the best source of advice for vaccination frequency & duration.

New York has not had a human case of Rabies since 1953.

Tags: Central Park, New York City, oral rabies vaccine, Rabies, Racoons

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 24th, 2010 at 9:28 pm and is filed under General, Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.