Fox That Attacked Dog Tests Positive For Rabies In CNY

Herkimer County Public Health has reported a fox that attacked a dog in Newport tested positive for rabies.

On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in the Town of Newport, a fox was killed after attacking a dog. The fox was sent away to Wadsworth Labs for rabies testing. Herkimer County Public Health was notified the next day that the fox had indeed tested positive for rabies.

The family dog is now undergoing a modified quarantine for six months because it was not up to date on its rabies vaccine. The dog's owner and the Herkimer County Public Health Department will be in close communication monitoring the dog.

Diane Ward, Herkimer County Public Health Director, says "chances are, the dog would be okay because it probably has antibodies to fight rabies, but it was still given a booster shot."

Herkimer County Public Health would like to remind the public to please check your pet's rabies vaccination records to make sure that they are up to date. If they're not the make an appointment with their vet as soon as possible to have them vaccinated against rabies.

Ward also wanted to warn the public that bats are very active with the warmer temperatures. If one is found in your house, and there is a possibility it had contact with a person or an animal, call Public Health, and they will make arrangements to have the bat tested, if necessary.

Protect your family and pets from rabies by practicing the following:

1. Vaccinate your pets against rabies.
2. Spay or neuter all animals to reduce the number of strays.
3. Do not feed strays or handle unknown animals, wild or domestic.

Please call Public Health at 315-867-1176, if you have any questions or concerns. Please visit our web site www.herkimercounty.org.