Seeking To Allay Fears Amid County's 1st Rabies Case In 8 Years

WANTAGH, NY — Town of Hempstead officials gathered on Monday following a feral cat found with rabies last week, the first such case in Nassau County since 2016.

"It is more important than ever to call the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter if you see a feral animal acting abnormally," said Supervisor Don Clavin.

The town is teaming up with county's Department of Health for a free rabies clinic on Saturday, August 24 at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh. It is recommended for dogs, cats, and ferrets older than four months to receive their first two shots one year apart and additional booster shots every three years after.

On Friday, the Town of Hempstead Animal Rescue responded to a call of a feral cat in Cedarhurst. The animal control officers brought the cat to an emergency veterinarian after an initial examination. A sample from the feline tested positive for rabies.

"Rabies is a serious viral disease that is heavily fatal to both animals and
humans,” said Clavin. “When it comes to this dangerous disease, it pays to be pro-active."