Raccoons with rabies detected across LI before Nassau County warning
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) – Raccoons with rabies have been detected across Long Island since last summer, according to health officials in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Nassau County reported seven cases of rabid animals in 2024, including two raccoons in Massapequa Park and West Hempstead that tested positive for the disease on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30. Feral cats and raccoons with rabies were also seen in Cedarhurst, Valley Stream, Hewlett and Roslyn Heights, according to health officials.
In total, there have been 25 cases of rabies in Nassau County since June 2024. Health officials said one raccoon even scratched a resident, who had to be treated immediately.
In Suffolk County, there have been six cases of rabid raccoons in 2025 alone. All of the raccoons were located in or near Amityville, according to health officials.
Health officials encourage residents to never touch wild or feral animals, including cats or dogs. They also ask that pet owners bring their furry companions inside during the evening hours.
Rabies can be transmitted to humans and pets through scratches, bites and saliva. Anyone who believes they've been exposed to rabies should seek care immediately before contacting local health officials.
In Nassau, residents can call the Department of Health at 516-227-9663 or 516-742-6154. They can also report dead, sick or animals acting abnormally by emailing rabies@nassaucountyny.gov.
Suffolk residents can call the Department of Health Services at 631-854-0333 or 631-852-4820 if they’ve been bitten or scratched by a wild animal. They can also report dead raccoons to php@suffolkcountyny.gov.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.