NORWICH — Multiple cases of rabies have been identified within the local wildlife population inside Norwich City limits. Any wild animal acting strangely and in close proximity to residential areas should be considered dangerous.

To protect yourself, your family, and your pets please take the following precautions: Vaccinate your pets for rabies. Dogs and cats should be up to date on rabies vaccinations. For information on rabies vaccination for your pets, please call your local veterinarian or Chenango County Environmental Health at 607-337-1673.

If your pet has interactions with any rabies suspect animal do not handle your pet. If you must attend to your pet wear gloves, long sleeves, and use extreme caution. You can be exposed to rabies from lingering saliva on a pet’s fur. The pet should be isolated, and the saliva allowed to dry; This will kill the virus.

Keep pets on a leash when outside a fenced yard.

Enjoy wildlife from a distance. Do not attempt to feed, approach, or touch wild animals. Do not kill healthy appearing animals merely due to this warning. If you see a wild animal acting abnormally in this area, report it to Chenango County Environmental Health at 607-337-1673.

Do not trap and relocate skunks. Doing so spreads rabies to other areas. If you have a nuisance animal contact a professional wildlife control agent.

If you or a loved-one is bitten by an animal — wild or domestic — wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water and seek medical care. Be sure to report the bite to public health officials.

Rabid animals may show no fear of people and may even seem friendly. Rabid bats typically fall to the ground where they become accessible to kids and pets. For more information about rabies please call Chenango County Environmental Health at 607-337-1673.

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at 607-337-1660.

-Information provided by the Chenango County Health Department