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Rabies, Rats/Rodents, Vectors, Arboviruses and Related Information

Rabies, Disease & Vector Control Program

*Free Rabies Vaccine Clinics in May 2025*

The Rabies, Disease & Vector Control Program is part of the Erie County Department of Health Environmental Health Division. This program is responsible for enforcement, education and other disease prevention activities including investigating:

  • Animal bites or scratches and wildlife encounters between people or their pets.
  • Complaints about rodent problems. Garbage or junk that is not stored right, improper bird and wildlife feeding, and dog feces that is not cleaned up create places for rodents to live and can attract dangerous wildlife.
  • Complaints about standing water, swimming pools not taken care of, and other containers that hold water and create places for mosquitos to breed.   

Terms

Rabies: Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. Rabies can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the medical care after a rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain and death. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and getting medical care after exposures and before symptoms start.

Rodent: There are many kinds of rodents, including rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, beavers and prairie dogs. Rodents in the United States play an important role in the health of grasslands and forests, and they are a major source of food for many animals like hawks, fox, bobcats, and wolves. Some types of rodents, such as rats and mice, are pests when they infest houses, threaten public health, and destroy property.

Vector: A vector is an organism which spreads diseases from one host to another. Examples of vectors are mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

Arthropod: an organism that has jointed appendages and segmented external skeleton, such as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

Arbovirus: Arbovirus are viruses spread by arthropods.  

Dog Bites or Scratches, Other Animal Bites or Scratches, and Wildlife Encounters

Call the ECDOH immediately at (716) 961-6800; after business hours call (716) 961-7898.  We will investigate the situation and advise you on what to do. 

A list of licensed Wildlife Control Officers is available here or call the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at (716) 851-7000.

Bat Encounters

If you find a bat in your house, DO NOT let the bat get outside. Call the ECDOH immediately at (716) 961-6800; after business hours call (716) 961-7898. Follow the steps below to capture the bat so that the ECDOH can test it for rabies.

How to Capture a Bat

If professional help is not available, capture the bat safely as described below or watch this video on how to safely catch a bat . You will need leather or very thick work gloves (put them on), a small box or coffee can, a piece of cardboard, and tape. 

  1. When the bat lands, move slowly toward it.
  2. While wearing gloves, put the box or coffee can over the bat.
  3. Then, slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.
  4. Tape the cardboard to the container, and punch small holes in the cardboard, allowing the bat to breathe.

Educational Information About Bats and Rabies

Brochure: What You Need to Know About Bats and Rabies

Flyer: Bats - When to Keep Them & When to Let Them Go

Rabies Vaccination Clinics and Pet HealthRabies vaccination clinics

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics for Cats, Dogs and Ferrets & Pet Health Resources

Rabies in Erie County

Animals That Tested Positive for Rabies in Erie County

Wildlife Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) Program ORV bait

See the Wildlife Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) Program web page

Rodent (Rat) Control

ECDOH responds to service requests regarding rodent infestations for properties that are four (4) unit residences or less which are not part of an apartment complex or commercial property. We conduct investigations of complaints such as, but not limited to, properties that have rodent infestations, improperly stored garbage, junk & debris, improper bird and wildlife feeding, dog feces not cleaned up and disposed of properly. These are conditions that create rodent harborage and attract potentially dangerous nuisance wildlife.  Baiting service (extermination) is provided free of charge.  Rat

Request Rat Baiting or Report a Rat Problem

Complete the Rodent Service Request & Complaint Form or call (716) 961-6800.

Educational Information About Rats

Flyer: Fight Rats One Yard at a Time

Flyer: Rodent Prevention: It's the Law

Brochure: Eliminate Food & Shelter

Arboviruses (Ticks, Mosquitoes, etc.)

Arbovirus are viruses transmitted by bloodsucking arthropods such as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. ECDOH conducts investigations of complaints such as standing water, improperly maintained swimming pools and other man-made containers that hold water and create mosquito breading areas. 

Report Standing Water

  • To report standing water, swimming pools that are not maintained, and other standing water, call the ECDOH at (716) 961-6800. 

West Nile Virus (WNV) and Mosquitoes

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night. There is no vaccine to prevent WNV infection. The best way to prevent ­­­West Nile is to protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, treating clothing and gear, and taking steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus

No symptoms in most people: 8 out of 10 people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.

If symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Febrile illness (fever) in some people
  • Serious symptoms in a few people such as high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

Learn more about WNV symptoms

How West Nile Virus is Diagnosed 

Healthcare providers diagnose West Nile virus infection based on:

  • Signs and symptoms
  • History of possible exposure to mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus
  • Laboratory testing of blood or spinal fluid

If you think you or a family member might have West Nile, talk with your health care provider.

Learn more about WNV testing

West Nile Virus Treatment

There are no specific medicines available to treat West Nile. Antibiotics do not treat viruses.

Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medications may relieve some symptoms.

In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

Learn more about WNV treatment

MosquitoesWest Nile Virus Prevention

There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent West Nile.

The best way to prevent West Nile is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Educational Information About West Nile Virus and Mosquitoes 

How many breeding sites can you find around your house? Do Mosquitoes Love Your Home and Yard?

Flyer: Fight West Nile Virus One Yard at a Time

Lyme Disease and TicksTick

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection which is spread by a bite from an infected blacklegged tick, which is also known as a deer tick. This tick can spread other tickborne diseases as well.

Ticks

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

How Lyme Disease is Diagnosed 

Lyme disease is diagnosed based on:

Lyme Disease Treatment

Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

Lyme Disease Prevention

To prevent Lyme disease:

Tick Testing

Tick testing is done by the following agencies: 

Educational Information About Ticks and Lyme Disease 

Tick Identification: pictures and details on types of ticks

Ticks & Lyme Disease Facts

Video: How to Properly Remove a Tick

Video: Tick Prevention

Video: Which Insect Repellents are Best

Tick Maps: Maps showing where ticks are found in NY State

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

I found a dead animal, such as a rat, on my property. Can the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) come out and pick it up?

The ECDOH does not come out to your property to remove dead animals.  It is acceptable to pick up a dead animal, such as a rat, with a shovel or gloved hand, put it in a bag and then in your regular trash container.

There’s a wildlife animal (skunk, raccoon or other animal) on my property. Can the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) come out and remove it?

The ECDOH does not offer wildlife trapping services. 

If an animal is not leaving, and is acting dangerous or aggressive, and you need immediate help, contact your City, Town or Village to request assistance from the Animal Control Officer or a Police Officer. 

If an animal is living on your property and won’t leave, you may need to hire a nuisance wildlife trapper.   A list of licensed Wildlife Control Officers is available here or you may call the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at 716-851-7000.  

See Tips to Eliminate Wildlife Conflicts for best practices for landowners with problems with unwanted animals.

See Remove or "Take" Nuisance Animals Legally to find out if you need a permit or license to legally trap or shoot an animal on your own.

NOTE about rodent/rat problems: The ECDOH responds to complaints about rodent infestations for properties that are four (4) unit residences or less which are not part of an apartment complex or commercial property. Complete the Rodent Service Request & Complaint Form or call (716) 961-6800.    

I have bed bugs, cockroaches, spiders or other insects/pests in my home. Can the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) come out and exterminate them?

The Erie County Department of Health does not make inspections or exterminate for any type of insects or other pests except for rodents/rats.

If extermination is needed, you or the property owners should hire a licensed professional exterminator, also called Pesticide Applicator, to get rid of the problem. The NY State Department of Environmental Conservation operates the certification program for Pesticide Applicators.  See this list of certified pesticide applicators in NY State.

Rat/Rodents -The ECDOH operate a Rodent Control Program for properties that are four (4) units or less and which are not part of an apartment complex or commercial property.  Staff inspect complaints about as rat problems, garbage that is not stored properly, dog feces that are not cleaned up, improper bird and wildlife feeding, etc.  These issues create places for rats to eat and live and can create problems for wildlife.  Baiting service (extermination) is provided free of charge. 

Information on common household infestation:

There are bed bugs, cockroaches or other insects/pests where I work. Can the Health Department make my employer exterminate?

The ECDOH does not have jurisdiction over workplace environments. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the regulatory agency for workplace environments. 

See OSHA’s laws and regulations for information regarding infestations in the workplace.  You can also file a complaint with OSHA or call 1-800-321-6742.

I have bed bugs, cockroaches or other insects/pests in my apartment and my landlord says I’m responsible for exterminating. Is that true?

The answer to this question depends on how many units or apartments there are in the building where you live.

In a single family house, the occupant is responsible for extermination.

In locations with two or more units or apartments, the owner is responsible for exterminating. The owner is responsible for making sure the building is in good condition and without rats or insects.

Sanitary Code of Erie County: Responsibility of Owners and Occupants

1.14 Responsibility for extermination. Every occupant of a dwelling containing a single dwelling unit shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rodents or other pests therein or on the premises. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, whenever infestation is caused by failure of the owner to maintain a dwelling in a rat-proof or reasonable insect-proof condition, extermination shall be the responsibility of the owner. Whenever infestation exists in two or more of the dwelling units in any dwelling, or in the shared or public parts of a dwelling containing two or more units, extermination thereof shall be the responsibility of the owner.

If extermination is needed, you or the property owners should hire a licensed professional exterminator, also called Pesticide Applicator, to get rid of the problem. The NY State Department of Environmental Conservation operates the certification program for Pesticide Applicators.  See this list of certified pesticide applicators in NY State.

Rat/Rodents -The ECDOH operate a Rodent Control Program for properties that are four (4) units or less and which are not part of an apartment complex or commercial property.  Staff inspect complaints about as rat problems, garbage that is not stored properly, dog feces that are not cleaned up, improper bird and wildlife feeding, etc.  These issues create places for rats to eat and live and can create problems for wildlife.  Baiting service (extermination) is provided free of charge. 

To request baiting or report a problem, complete the Rodent Service Request & Complaint Form or call (716) 961-6800.

Information on common household infestation:

Contact

Division of Environmental Health
ECDOH Building
503 Kensington Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214 
Map of Campus
Phone: 716-961-6800 (For Emergencies after regular business hours: 716-961-7898)
Fax: 716-961-6880

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