Suffolk County is launching a critical public health intervention this month to combat the alarming return of raccoon rabies.

Health officials confirmed that beginning this week, they will distribute more than 250,000 oral rabies vaccine packets across the region.

This aggressive strategy comes after a long period of calm, with no rabid raccoons found in the county since 2009.

That changed dramatically this year, with nine rabid raccoons discovered, primarily in the Amityville area and one in Deer Park.

The effort is designed to create a crucial barrier of immunized wildlife.

County workers in marked vehicles will be seen tossing the small, ketchup-sized baits into storm drains, wooded areas, and other raccoon habitats throughout September.

The towns of Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown, and Islip are the primary targets for this campaign.

These locations were strategically chosen to prevent the rabies virus from spreading further east from Nassau County, which has been grappling with its own significant outbreak.

Neighboring Nassau has seen at least 25 animals test positive for rabies since mid-2024.

The oral vaccine is contained within a packet coated in a fish meal attractant that raccoons find appealing.

When a raccoon bites into the packet, it ingests the vaccine and becomes immunized.

Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner, emphasized that while rabies is common elsewhere, decades of prevention have kept it at bay locally.

Officials assure the public that the baits are not harmful to humans or pets but advise against handling them with bare hands.

If you find a bait in an open area like a lawn, you should use gloves or a plastic bag to move it to a safer, more secluded spot where raccoons are likely to find it.

Complicating the issue for residents is the prevalence of canine distemper, a different virus that can cause raccoons to appear sick or disoriented, similar to rabies.

However, distemper poses no threat to humans, though it can be fatal to unvaccinated dogs.

Health experts urge anyone who is bitten or scratched by any wild or domestic animal to seek immediate medical treatment as a precaution.

FAQ

What should I do if I see a sick raccoon in Suffolk County?

Do not approach the animal. Report any raccoons acting strangely—such as being active in daytime or appearing disoriented—to the Suffolk County Police Department or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Are the oral rabies vaccine baits dangerous for my dog?

The baits are not considered harmful to pets. However, officials recommend keeping dogs leashed and away from the baits to ensure they are consumed by raccoons. If your pet does consume a bait, it is best to consult your veterinarian as a precaution.

Why is this vaccination program happening now?

September is considered an ideal time because young raccoons born in the spring are actively foraging for food, increasing the likelihood they will find and consume the vaccine baits. This proactive measure aims to stop the spread before it can establish a new foothold in the region.