Albany raccoons that dwell in the city can be infected with range of diseases. Therefore, we advise you to stay away from them as much as possible. However, there are instances when they will invade our house. They can be found in all the boroughs of the city. We advise you to call the local health department or your professional wildlife remover once you notice that the raccoon in your yard is showing an unusual behavior. Never attempt to capture them yourself.



Possible Diseases Associated with the Albany Raccoons
With their ability to eat almost anything that they come across in the city and their capacity to take advantage of the leftovers of humans, raccoons were able to survive in almost any location. In a city with a high population such as New York, there will be an inexhaustible food supply for the raccoons. They will be rummaging our trashcan and invade our houses. Once they do, you should look for the signs of these diseases.

Rabies
The infected raccoon can transfer the rabies disease through their saliva. Therefore, you need to be careful from the scratch and bites of the raccoon. It will infect you once their saliva enters your mucous membrane such as in the mouth, eyes, and nose. Early this year, the health department has discovered at least 6 raccoons that carry this virus. Keep away from the raccoons that are showing signs of rabies such as:

Raccoons that are acting aggressively.

Appearing disoriented and confused.

Lethargic, having difficulty in keeping their balance.

Appearing injured or sick.

Canine Distemper
Another possible disease that the raccoons in New York may carry include canine distemper. This cannot be transmitted to humans. They can transfer this to your dog through direct contact with their saliva, urine, feces, and respiratory discharge. Be sure that your pet will be fully immunized to keep them safe from this disease. Ask your veterinarian about vaccine against canine distemper. The raccoons infected with this virus can show signs similar with rabies.

How to Respond to the Bite of the Raccoon
Healthy raccoons will usually not show signs of aggression towards humans. However, they may still attack you if they are threatened. If you have been bitten by a raccoon, induce bleeding. This will be helpful in expelling the microorganisms and bacteria that will prevent infection. However, if the bleeding is severe, you should apply pressure on the wound to control the bleeding.

Wash your wound with soap and rinse it using warm water.

Apply antibacterial medicine on the wound before dressing it with a gauze.

Once this is done, visit your nearby hospital and let them handle this. Depending on your situation, the doctor may recommend Tetanus and rabies vaccine.

Raccoons will be looking for quiet and safe areas when building their den. They can be found anywhere such as the sewers, attic, hollow walls, chimney, rock piles, and the space under our shed and porch. To keep them off your yard, you should remove their access from the elements that will attract their attention.

Visit our Albany animal removal home page to learn more about us.