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Raccoons in Towns of Turin and West Turin Test
Positive for Rabies
Published: January 29, 2026
at 09:35 a.m.
By: Press Release
from Lewis County Public Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TWO RACCOONS TEST POSITIVE FOR RABIES IN LEWIS COUNTY
LOWVILLE, NY- Lewis County
Public Health has been notified by the New York State Department of Health
Wadsworth Laboratory that two raccoons have tested positive for rabies; one
in the Town of Turin and one in the Town of West Turin. There was no human
or domestic animal contact with either raccoon.
Lewis County
Public Health reminds all Lewis County residents and those that visit our
county that rabies is a very serious and deadly disease affecting the
central nervous system. It can be transmitted from infected animals to
humans if they are exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid
animal through a bite or scratch. It is also possible for a person to have
contact with a bat and not know it while asleep, therefore all bats that
are found in the room of a sleeping person or small child should be
captured and tested for rabies. To view a video on how to safely capture a
bat, please visit: https://youtu.be/_YhnV5WJQBA.
It is very
important for people and their pets to avoid direct contact with wild
animals, particularly if the animals are behaving abnormally, and ensure
your pets are up to date with rabies vaccinations. The next rabies clinics
will be scheduled in May at multiple locations throughout the county. Exact
dates and locations will be published when confirmed. For more information
about rabies, call Lewis County Public Health at 315-376- 5453.
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