July 22, 2011

Boy, Family Pets Involved in Rabid Animal Attacks

“Raccoon and Grey Fox Responsible for Separate Incidents”

An Oneida County youth and several family pets are undergoing post exposure treatment for rabies after being attacked by a raccoon and a grey fox in separate incidents earlier this week, Health Department officials say.

A Floyd resident discovered her pet cat cornered in her garage by a raccoon that had porcupine quills imbedded in its face and body. The cat was bitten before the woman was able to shoot and kill the raccoon, which later tested positive for rabies. The cat had previously received a rabies vaccine and was given a booster following the attack. It will be quarantined for six months. There was no human contact involved in this incident.

The following day, a Clinton youth was chased and bitten on the leg by a grey fox after the boy entered an outbuilding on the family property. Two pet dogs who came to the boy’s aid were also bitten before the boy’s father as able to kill the rabid fox. The boy has begun post exposure treatment and the family’s dogs, which were up-to-date on their rabies vaccines, each received booster shots.

“These two incidents underscore the importance of protecting your pets by having all dogs, cats and ferrets older than three months vaccinated against rabies,” said Bobbi Jo Girven, Coordinator for the Rabies Treatment Program for the Oneida County Health Department. “We remind all Oneida County residents to follow the law and have your pets vaccinated.”

The next in a series of rabies clinics sponsored by the Oneida County Health Department is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2^nd at the Cassville Firehouse from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Pets must be leashed or in a pet carrier. A ten dollar donation per pet is requested to help defray costs.

For more information on rabies treatment and prevention, or for a complete schedule of rabies clinics, call the Oneida County Health Department at 798-5064 or visit our website at oneidacountyny.gov.

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