Coyote that attacked people and dogs in Eastchester tested positive for rabies
The attacks happened near Siwanoy Country Club and Twin Lakes Park.
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A coyote that attacked people and pets in Eastchester on Monday tested positive for rabies, according to the Westchester County Department of Health.
The attacks happened near Siwanoy Country Club and Twin Lakes Park.
Six dogs and three people were attacked, according to officials with the Westchester County Department of Health.
The animal was put down by police.
Officials are urging anyone bitten or scratched to seek medical care immediately and report the contact to the department at
914‑813‑5000.
"We do need anyone who was bitten by this animal to come forward, have a conversation with us. Once you have symptoms, rabies is universally fatal," says Westchester County Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. Sherlita Amler.
Anyone bitten by a rabid animal or having had contact with its saliva may need to receive post-exposure rabies treatment. When administered early enough, before symptoms develop, the treatment is 100% effective, according to officials.
They urged residents to avoid wild animals, keep pet rabies vaccines up to date and report any unusual behavior.
News 12 spoke with a woman who says her husband and dog were attacked.
"It's a little nerve-wracking, you never want to think about that," says Eastchester resident Leah Lazzaro.
Lazzaro says he was out walking their dog when the coyote came running at the dog.
"My husband was bitten, a laceration. My dog then confronted the coyote, that was the only way to get away from him, did bring him down for a little bit. Then my husband separated them and then ran into the backyard," Lazzaro explains.
Lazzaro says they are both ok.
For more details from the Westchester County Department of Health, click here:
