LCPH: Lab results confirm rabid skunk in town of Lowville

LOWVILLE-Lewis County Public Health has been notified by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory that a skunk in the Town of Lowville has tested positive for rabies.

There was no human contact with the skunk, officials from Lewis County Public Health confirmed. With that said, two domestic animals were exposed, but required only a rabies booster because they were up to date with their rabies vaccinations.

Lewis County Public Health reminds all Lewis County residents and those that visit our county that rabies is a very serious and deadly disease affecting the central nervous system.

It can be transmitted from infected animals to humans if they are exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal through a bite or scratch.

According to Lewis County Public Health, it is very important for people and their pets to avoid direct contact with wild animals, particularly if the animals are behaving abnormally, and ensure your pets are up to date with rabies vaccinations.

The next rabies clinic in Lewis County is scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Leroy Nichols Building at the Lewis County Fairgrounds.

For more information about rabies, call Lewis County Public Health at 315-376-5453.

NYS DEC Skunk image.