MAYVILLE, NY – The Chautauqua County Health Department received notice Friday that a second grey fox captured in Chautauqua County tested positive for rabies.
At least two individuals were bitten by the fox on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 in the Bemus Point area near Route 430. The County Health Department is following-up with the people involved to ensure that they receive proper medical attention. A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officer responded to the situation and killed the grey fox on July 4, 2023. The grey fox was sent for testing and was determined to be positive for rabies.
This the second grey fox within a month’s time to have been found in the same vicinity and testing positive for rabies. If you believe you had physical contact with the grey fox that was killed in the Bemus Point area and have not seen a medical provider please call the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4783 or report to the nearest emergency department.
As previously quoted by Jessica Wuerstle, Chautauqua County Director of Environmental Health, These incidents should serve as reminders to residents that animal rabies is a serious public health concern and continues to be present in Chautauqua County. According to the Centers for Disease Control more than 90% of rabies cases occur in wildlife. Pets and livestock can be protected from rabies by keeping rabies vaccines up-to-date.
Mammals infected with rabies may become aggressive and attack with no provocation, while others may appear tame or docile. Well-meaning animal lovers may be tempted to catch and help the animals. However, when people have physical contact with wild or feral animals they put themselves in danger. Rabies is nearly always a fatal disease when exposure is missed and untreated.
Pet owners should also be aware that New York State law requires all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets be vaccinated against rabies beginning 4 months of age. Regular booster shots are required to keep the animal current on their rabies vaccine. The vaccination requirement aims to protect, not only pets and animals from the fatal rabies virus but also, pet owners who may be exposed through their pets.
Routine inquiries and requests for information can be obtained by calling 716-753-4481 during business hours. After normal business hours, residents with urgent inquiries can call the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office at 716-753-4232.
Visit chqgov.com/environmental-health/rabies-prevention for general rabies information.
