CANTON -- A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in the Gouverneur area, county officials confirmed.
Officials said the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory has notified the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department of the positive test, the 29th such case in St. Lawrence County this year.
County officials are urging the public to take precautions and ensure family pets are not interacting with wildlife.
Rabies, a deadly virus spread through saliva and brain tissue of infected animals, is most commonly spread through bites or scratches.

Wild animals most likely to carry rabies include raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes.
Domestic animals such as cats and dogs can also become infected after contact with wildlife.
SLCPHD urges residents to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets:
● Report all animal bites or possible rabies exposures to St. Lawrence County Public Health at (315) 386-2325.
● Avoid feeding, touching, or adopting wild animals or stray pets.
● If a bat is found in a home or other occupied space, carefully capture it in a container without making direct contact, and contact SLCPHD. Retaining the bat for testing is important because it can help determine whether rabies exposure occurred and whether treatment is necessary.
● Keep pets and livestock up to date on rabies vaccinations, including indoor cats.
● Supervise pets outdoors and feed them indoors.
● Wash any bite or scratch wounds immediately and seek medical attention if exposed to a suspected rabid animal.
● Reduce attractions for wildlife by securing garbage, compost, birdseed, and pet food.
● Contact an animal control officer if a wild animal is living near your home.
● If your pet or livestock may have been exposed to a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian and Public Health immediately.
Wild animals may be submitted for rabies testing if they have had contact with humans or pets, or if they display unusual behavior. If possible, safely contain the animal for testing and report the incident to Public Health.