New York officials warn of health risk to unknown person who may have transported a rabid raccoon

Suffolk County health officials are trying to reach the person who may have handled and moved a rabid raccoon to East Islip, New York.

Here's what to know

Two raccoons found outside homes in East Islip and Bay Shore tested positive for rabies, according to Patch. County health officials received the test results on Oct. 30 from the state health department's Wadsworth Center.

An animal control officer with the Town of Islip Animal Shelter collected and submitted the East Islip raccoon for testing. According to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, it had been found dead outside a residence on Oct. 22.

Oct. 21 — the day before the discovery — is when the department believes someone may have brought the animal there.

New York's Department of Environmental Conservation responded in the Bay Shore case, and the raccoon was submitted for testing. The county health department said the animal appeared ill when found outside a home on Oct. 27, Patch reported.

Neither case had any reported human or pet exposures, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

More background

The two discoveries brought Suffolk County's confirmed terrestrial rabies count to 59 since Feb. 7, 2025. Other reports of infected raccoons have come from Islip, Northport, Babylon, Smithtown, Kings Park, and Oakdale.

Any mammal can become infected with rabies, though raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes are among the wild animals most commonly affected. The viral illness attacks the central nervous system and is nearly always fatal.

What can be done?

If you have relevant information regarding the raccoon found at the East Islip location on Oct. 21, Suffolk County health officials urge you to contact the Department of Health Services.

Outside business hours, callers can reach the department at 631-852-4820. The weekday number is 631-854-0333, available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Residents who see a raccoon behaving abnormally should call Suffolk County Police at 631-852-COPS or New York's Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250. As Patch reported, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services is reminding residents not to touch or transport wildlife.

Where can I learn more?

Other communities have faced similar safety concerns about rabid wildlife and close encounters with raccoons.

• New York's outer boroughs have faced rabid raccoon cases rising 57% faster than last year.

• Texas police issued a rabies warning after a raccoon tested positive near Hollywood Park.

• A backyard raccoon could mark Los Angeles County's first rabies case since 1973.

• Maryland officials warned of possible rabies exposure after a groundhog tested positive in Jarrettsville.

• A mother fought off a raccoon after it charged at her daughter.

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