Oyster Bay Town Councilman Chris J. Coschignano announced that the Town has available to residents an informative brochure entitled Protecting Your Family Against Rabies.

"As many people are aware, rabies has been detected in raccoons in the Town of Oyster Bay," Councilman Coschignano stated. "With people and pets spending more time outdoors during the summer, increasing the opportunity for contact between wildlife, humans and pets, it is important that everyone be aware of how the disease is transmitted and safety precautions that should be taken.

"Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system," the Councilman explained. "It is transmitted from infected mammals to man, usually through bites, and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Scratches and saliva contact with broken skin are also possible routes of infection.

"People should avoid contact with wild or stray animals," Councilman Coschignano advised. "Residents should report any animal, especially raccoons or opossums they see that are ill, dead or acting unusually, to the Nassau County Department of Health Rabies Control Program at 227-9663.

"Pet owners should be sure their animals are immunized against rabies and that their pets' vaccinations are kept up-to-date. Remember, New York State law requires all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies." The Councilman added that the Town of Oyster Bay will hold a FREE rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets on Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Town Animal Shelter, 150 Miller Place, Syosset. For further information, contact the Town's Animal Shelter at 677-5784.

Councilman Coschignano went on to say that the Town's brochure offers more tips on basic precautions that can help you and your family avoid rabies and what to do if you are bitten. Any resident or organization interested in obtaining a free brochure can pick one up at Town Halls North (Oyster Bay) and South (Massapequa), the Department of Public Works (Syosset) and at major park facilities, or call or write to the Town of Oyster Bay Public Information Office, Town Hall East, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771 (624-6380). A copy of the brochure can also be downloaded from the Town's Web site,

www.oysterbaytown.com. Just click on the link on the left hand side of the homepage.