AKWESASNE – (Onerahtó:kha/April 22, 2026) The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is informing the community of a rabies-positive raccoon in St. Lawrence County, according to a release from the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department and the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory. The rabies‑positive raccoon was found in the Gouverneur, NY area and is the third confirmed case of rabies in St. Lawrence County this year.
The Rabies virus can be fatal to humans if proper medical care is not received to treat it. Rabies can be spread through the saliva of infected animals and is usually spread through an animal bite, or scratch. Common carriers of the rabies virus include racoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Household pets such as cats and dogs may spread or contract rabies if they were to come in contact with an infected wild animal.
Anyone who has had direct exposure to the saliva or brain tissue of a suspected rabid animal should wash all of their wounds, seek medical attention immediately, and report any animal bites or rabies exposure to the St. Lawrence County Public Health (315) 386-2325 or Franklin County Public Health (518) 481-1725.
Tips to Keep Your Family and Pets Safe Against Rabies
- Keep all pets and livestock up to date on their rabies vaccines.
- Feed pets inside your home and supervise them while outside.
- Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild or stray animals.
- Tightly lock garbage and compost bins, and store pet food inside.
- Wild animals may be submitted for rabies testing if they have had contact with humans,pets, or if they display unusual behavior.
- If you suspect your pet has contracted rabies from the saliva or brain tissue of a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian for medical care and
- Report all animal bites or contact with rabid animals to Public Health.
Contact St. Lawrence County Public Health or Franklin County Public Health to determine next steps.