The New York State Department of Health has confirmed the first three cases of rabies found in raccoons this year in Nassau County. The animals were collected on January 1 in Port Washington, January 8 in Manhasset and January 9 in Plandome Manor.

In 2005, 36 raccoons were confirmed rabid. In 2004, the first year terrestrial rabies was identified in the county, 10 raccoons were confirmed rabid. In both years, several of the rabid raccoons were found in the Roslyn area, including the Village of East Hills.

Dr. David M. Ackman, Commissioner of Health, said: "Raccoons remain active throughout the winter. For the safety of your family, do not attempt to feed or handle any wild or unfamiliar domestic animal." Dr. Ackman stressed the importance of having pets vaccinated and is also asking residents to report any animal, especially raccoons or opossums they see that are ill, dead or acting unusually, to the Nassau County Department of Health at 571-2290.

In 2004 and 2005, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), along with the Nassau County Department of Health, conducted programs in Nassau County to trap and test animals for rabies. They also distributed raccoon rabies vaccine by hand and by helicopter.

This year, the state and the county are continuing to conduct surveillance and vaccination programs. The goal is to limit or prevent the establishment of terrestrial rabies on Long Island by capturing sick raccoons and vaccinating a substantial percentage of healthy raccoons.

To protect yourself from exposure to rabies, the Health Department recommends:

* Individuals bitten or scratched by any animal should immediately contact their physicians or seek medical help at a hospital emergency room and then call the Nassau County Department of Health.

* Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home. Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.

* Verify that your pets have current rabies vaccinations, including dogs, cats, ferrets, livestock and horses. New York State law requires all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies.

* Keep domestic animals (dogs, cats, and ferrets) on a leash when outdoors and keep livestock confined in the evenings.

* Do not touch or have contact with any animal other than your own.

* Do not touch dying or dead animals. If you must move them, use a shovel, wear heavy rubber gloves and double bag the carcass.

* Advise your family against approaching any unknown animal -- wild or domestic -- especially those acting in an unusual way.

* Instruct your children to tell you immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.

* If a bat is found in a room where adults or children were sleeping, or if an adult enters a room and finds a bat with a child, notify the county health department immediately. Do not release the bat.

* Nuisance wildlife that appears to be healthy or acting normally can be referred to a licensed wildlife trapper for removal.

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of raccoons and other mammals, including humans. The disease is almost always fatal once clinical signs of infection occur. However, vaccination will greatly decrease the chance of developing human and domestic animal infection with rabies if administered after contact with potentially rabid raccoons and other animals. Rabies is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The virus may also be transmitted when the saliva of a rabid animal comes into contact with cut, open, or scratched skin lesions.

For information regarding rabies visit the department website at www.co.nassau.ny.us/health or the state website at www.state.ny.us/nydoh/zoonoses/rabies or call the Nassau County Department of Health at 571-2500 or the New York State Department of Health at (518) 474-3186 weekdays from 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.