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Racoon in Town of Watson Tests Positive for Rabies
Published: June 12, 2026 at
06:30 p.m.
By: Press Release
from Lewis County Public Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RACCOON IN THE TOWN OF WATSON TESTS POSITIVE FOR
RABIES
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 Watson has tested
positive for rabies. Two vaccinated domestic animals were exposed to the raccoon
and required a 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 clinic
will be held in September, and the date will be published when finalized.
For more
information about rabies, call Lewis County Public Health at 315-376-5453.
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