Press Releases

A skunk has tested positive for rabies in the Town of Ava. The skunk was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing, as part of routine USDA Wildlife Services rabies monitoring. Positive results were reported October 19, 2021. There were no exposures to the skunk.

A cat has tested positive for rabies in the Town of Marcy. The cat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on September 7, 2021 and positive results were reported the following day. Two people were exposed to the cat, and received post-exposure prophylaxis. Two dogs were also exposed to the cat.

A bat has tested positive for rabies in Oneida Castle. The bat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing, and positive results were reported on August 18, 2021. The delay in report is because they had to use a special RNA test to determine rabies, due to specimen mutilation. Three people were exposed to the bat, and received post-exposure prophylaxis.

It’s almost back to school time! Kids will soon be picking out their backpacks and first day of school outfits and parents will be busy purchasing new lunch bags, notebooks and pencils on their children’s school supply list. Don’t forget the most important task on the list: vaccinations.

The Oneida County Health Department will be hosting three rabies vancination clinics across July and August.

The Oneida County Health Department and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting more car seat safety events. The events will take place on: June 24, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, July 8, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m, and July 20, 2021 from 1:00 p.m to 4:30 p.m. These events will take place at the Deerfield Fire Station in Utica.