With the recent outbreak of Rabies in Manhattan’s Central Park and Brooklyn as well, Hong Kong has barred the entry of pets (dogs, cats, ferrets,etc.) from the two New York City boroughs.

Applications to the regulatory authorities in Hong Kong for expatriates & relocatees moving to the island and its territories are being made with Rabies vaccinations histories being required, along with Rabies Antibody test results (RNATT & FAVN-OIE) from submitted serum samples.

Updates on the NYC Rabies / Hong Kong situation will be provided in Air Animal’s Blog.

Public health officials in New York city continue their concern with the continual emergence of rabies in raccoons in Manhattan’s Central Park.

With 28 verifiable cases occurring in January 2010 and December 2009, health officials continue their efforts to both educate the public and use oral rabies vaccine within the park to control the fatal disease.

The raccoon is a nocturnal animal. Finding raccoons during the daylight hours is an immediate indication of something affecting the raccoons such as the rabies virus.

Pet owners who chose to frequent the northern part of Central Park, between 79th and 110th Street, should be most concerned. Leashing one’s pet begins the process of caution, while giving you control of your pet as you walk.

The recent finding of three (3) rabid racoons in Central Park should give Park goers cause for concern; especially with two (2) in the past week.

The New York City cluster of positive Rabies cases (20 this year: 14 from the Bronx, 4 from Manhattan, one from the Queens, and one from Staten Island) indicate all five boroughs are infected.

With no human case of Rabies in New York City since 1953, pet owners are urged to be wary of any animal acting strange, and immediately report the animal’s behavior to 311. Animals that have been attacked or may be attacked should be reported to 911.

New York City pet owners:

• Are urged to have their pet’s Rabies vaccinations current or be updated
• Leash your dog when walking it
• Do not leave dogs outdoors unattended.
• Do not attempt to separate animals that are fighting, you may be an accidental bite victim.
• Feed pets indoors.

New York’s Animal Bite Unit may be contacted at 212-676-2483; after hours or weekends call 212-POISONS (784-7667)

Call 311 for Medical follow-up, or your medical provider.