Were you or a pet bitten or scratched by a wild animal?
Call the ECDOH immediately at (716) 961-6800; after business hours call (716) 961-7898. We will investigate the situation and advise you. A list of licensed Wildlife Control Officers is available here, or call the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at (716) 851-7000.
Found a bat in your home?
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 these steps to safely capture the bat so that the ECDOH can test it for rabies.
See signs of rabies in an animal?
Do not approach the animal! Keep your distance and call your town, village or city animal control officer, or the non-emergency law enforcement number. Call ECDOH immediately if you or your pet come in contact with an animal showing signs of rabies: (716) 961-6800; after business hours call (716) 961-7898. Learn more about the signs, spread, and prevention of rabies in people and animals.
Rabies, Disease & Vector Control Program
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, untreated swimming pools, and other containers that hold water and create places for mosquitoes to breed.
For more information-- including information about the rabies virus and other vector-borne diseases (Lyme, West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis)-- please browse our programs listed below, visit our resources page, browse our FAQ page, or contact us with further questions.
ECDOH Rodent Control Program investigates complaints such as rodent infestations, improperly stored garbage, junk & debris, improper bird and wildlife feeding, and dog feces not cleaned up and disposed of properly.
ECDOH hold drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics for cats, ferrets and dogs in January, May and September.
This vital service, in coordination NYSDOH and the USDA, distributes oral rabies vaccine in places where wildlife will eat it and gain protection against rabies.
Investigating complaints about standing water, untreated swimming pools, and other containers that hold water and create places for mosquitoes to breed.
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