Rabid Deer Found in Copake, First Case Since 1999

More details have emerged about a rabid deer recently discovered in Copake. The Columbia County Health Department confirmed that the white-tailed deer contracted rabies from an infected raccoon. This marks the first rabid deer case in the county since 1999, according to Hudson Valley 360.

Rabies in deer is rare, with only about two cases reported annually in New York State. The disease is more common in animals like raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. The Times Union reports that the infected deer was found displaying neurological symptoms such as incoordination and an inability to walk before it died.

With hunting season underway, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is urging hunters to wear gloves while processing deer and to wash their hands afterward. Jeremy Hurst from the DEC advised hunters to avoid consuming deer that exhibit abnormal behavior, such as acting aggressively or staggering. If a deer is suspected to be rabid, it should be reported to the DEC for testing, as stated by News10.