Animal Bite Monitoring/Rabies Surveillance

NEW Updated Information on Raccoon Rabies in Central Park, Manhattan 
• Rabies Alert – Rabid Raccoons Found in Central Park
• Veterinary Alert (December 7, 2009)
• Health Alert (December 7, 2009)
• Current list of animals that have tested positive for rabies in New York City, 2009 year to date

The New York City Health Code requires that all animal bites be reported. The Office of Veterinary Public Health Services receives those reports and coordinates follow-up with the animal, the owner and the person bitten to ensure that no further threat exists. One of the many reasons that follow-up of animal bites is so important is rabies is a disease that can be fatal in humans. New York City has been rabies endemic since 1992. No rabid dogs have been reported in New York City since 1954 but some stray cats have tested positive for rabies. For a current list of all animals that have tested positive for rabies in New York City please click here.

The law requires that all cats and dogs 3 months of age or older be vaccinated against rabies and to receive re-vaccinations or booster vaccinations. Pet owners may be fined for failing to vaccinate their pets against rabies or for allowing their pet's rabies vaccination to lapse.

If you or someone you know has been bitten by an animal or if you own an animal that has bitten someone call the Animal Bite Unit to report the bite or provide information about the biting animal. The number for Animal Bite Unit is 212-676-2483, and the hours are from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. After hours, the Poison Control Center must be called at 212-764-7667. For information about human medical follow-up call the Office of Communicable Diseases Surveillance at 311.

For more information about Rabies, including Frequently Asked Questions, click here.