Fox in Ticonderoga tests positive for rabies

ELIZABETHTOWN | The Essex County Health Department (ECHD) was notified Monday, July 4, about a gray fox interaction involving multiple people and pets in Ticonderoga. Residents initiated a call for help through Essex County Dispatch 911 Call Center. A Department of Conservation (DEC) officer was requested to go to the location in Ticonderoga to handle the fox. The Health Department was called to provide additional guidance for people and pets. "The animal was reported as overly aggressive, drooling and biting. It initiated contact with multiple pets and people," stated Jessica Darney Buehler, Director of Health Planning and Promotion for ECHD and the on-call staff who spoke with residents and the DEC officer. "Because the behavior was consistent with rabies and there was potential exposure, I advised three people to pursue rabies post-exposure treatment immediately," added Buehler. "I also advised owners of pets and livestock to seek rabies boosters for their animals through veterinarians. Care for people, pets, and livestock is all underway." The fox was submitted for testing and results returned confirmed it was positive for rabies. This is the second confirmed case of rabies in gray fox this summer. Both were in the southeastern portion of Essex County. To best protect people, pets, and livestock, ECHD recommends the following prevention actions: • Keep pets and livestock up to date with rabies vaccinations • Attend pets when outside and feed pets inside • Tightly cap garbage cans, birdseed and other food sources to avoid attracting wild animals to your yard Those who have been exposed to saliva or brain tissue of a suspected rabid animal should: • Wash all wounds thoroughly with soap and water • Seek medical attention immediately • Report animal bites or possible rabies exposures to ECHD 518-873-3500. If your pet or livestock have contact with saliva or brain tissue of a suspected rabid animal, contact your veterinarian for medical care and contact ECHD to determine what additional follow-up may be needed. ECHD may submit wild animals and bats for rabies testing if they have had contact with humans or pets, or if they have displayed unusual behavior.

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Fox in Ticonderoga tests positive for rabies

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