Nassau County is warning residents about the rise of rabies. The Department of Health declared an imminent public health threat Monday over the spread of rabies among wild animals.

Rabies is now an "imminent public health threat" in Nassau County, officials said Monday, warning residents to protect their pets and stay away from wild animals. Surveillance shows the virus is circulating throughout the county, which has collected and confirmed 25 rabid animals since July 2024. That number includes both raccoons and feral cats.

Officials on Long Island say that rabies has become a serious problem in the region, and they're pointing the finger back at the big city. Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman tells the New York Post that rabies now poses an "imminent public health threat" to the people of Long