Rabid raccoons in N.Y. Central Park
27 January 2010
Rabid raccoons have been increasingly infesting Central Park, with 8 of the mad animals found there in the past 2 weeks, according to the Department of Health.
The 8 cases, along with 12 reported in 2009, are a dramatic increase over years past, when only a single rabid raccoon was reported from 2003 to 2008. Most of the rabid raccoons were found in the northern portions of Central Park from 79th Street to 110th Street, the Health Dept said. The Health Dept has posted fliers in the park and nearby subway stations and plans to bait raccoons with oral rabies vaccine in and around Central Park, Morningside Park, and Riverside Park in an attempt to slow the spread of the disease. Park workers have increased surveillance for sick animals. Visitors are encouraged to be on the lookout for strange animal behaviour and to call an emergency number if they notice animals that may be infected
Central park is located in New York City. Central Park's 341 hectares include 55 ha of woodlands, 101 ha of lawns, and 61 ha of water in 7 water bodies. The park's 10 kilometre perimeter extends from Central Park West to Fifth Avenue and 59th Street to 110th Street. More than 25 million visitors visit Central Park each year. With a park this size, and this many visitors and activities, it is easy to see why this many rabid raccoons would warrant concern.
