Officials in Long Island have issued a health alert due to the discovery of a rabid raccoon on the boundary of Nassau and Suffolk counties. This marks the fifth incident of its kind in the area in the current year.

The most recent infected animal was located deceased in North Amityville on May 6. Before January 28, Suffolk had not documented a case of a rabid raccoon since 2009, as reported by the county’s Department of Health.

Dr. Gregson Pigott, the health Commissioner, mentioned, “We are actively engaged in intensified raccoon monitoring, particularly in western Suffolk County, as we gear up for an oral rabies vaccine distribution initiative set to commence later in the year.”

“We prepare to conduct an oral rabies vaccine baiting campaign to begin later this year,” Pigott went on. “We encourage residents to continue to remain vigilant and report sick or dead raccoons to us.” 

A two-week-long oral bait drop was done in Nassau County, which targeted Amityville’s surrounding areas of Massapequa, Farmingdale and Bethpage.

It also targeted popular wilderness trails like the Massapequa Preserve and Bethpage State Park.

The bait was also placed in Nassau towns near the Queens border.

Prior to the most recent discovery, a rabid raccoon was also discovered in Amityville in April, prompting Pigott to say officials were “very concerned” about the spread.

Suffolk residents who find a dead raccoon in the surrounding towns of Babylon, Huntington, Islip, and Smithtown are encouraged to call the county at 631-852-5900.