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Racoon in Town of Martinsburg Tests Positive for
Rabies
Published: March 17, 2026 at
04:00 p.m.
By: Press Release
from Lewis County Public Health
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEWIS COUNTY RACCOON TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES IN THE
TOWN OF MARTINSBURG
LOWVILLE, NY- Lewis County
Public Health has been notified by the New York State Department of Health
Wadsworth Laboratory that a raccoon in the Town of Martinsburg has tested
positive for rabies. Two vaccinated domestic animals had contact with the raccoon and both required a rabies booster.
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
are currently being scheduled in May at multiple locations throughout the
county. Exact dates and locations will be published within the next few
weeks. For more information about rabies, call Lewis County Public Health at 315-376-5453.
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