HEALTH
SCRIBA, NY – An Oswego County resident is undergoing rabies treatment after being attacked by a fox over the weekend, according to Oswego County Health Department officials.
The fox was captured and is being tested for rabies, said Judy Grandy, Oswego County’s director of environmental health.
With rabies activity high in Oswego County and surrounding counties, pet owners should make sure their dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccines, Grandy said.
An 84-year-old man strangled to death a fox last week in Savannah, in Wayne County, after it attacked his wife, knocking her down in their driveway, according to a Wayne County health department official.
The man and his wife were being treated for possible rabies exposure, health department officials said.
In Oswego County, the next rabies clinic is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Granby Town Highway Garage, 820 County Route 8.
“Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start,” Grandy said.
The county offered these tips:
- Dogs, cats and ferrets should receive their first rabies vaccine at three months of age.
- Dogs and cats require a second vaccination within one year of the first, and every three years thereafter.
- Ferrets must be vaccinated annually.
- Pet owners need to show that their pet was previously vaccinated to receive the three-year booster shot. They should bring their pet’s last rabies vaccination certificate with them.
- If someone comes in contact with a sick animal or one acting suspiciously, report it to the local county health department immediately.
- A bite or scratch on the skin should be washed immediately with soap and water.
- Rabies is a preventable viral disease usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
- The rabies virus infects the central nervous system; ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.
84-year-old Upstate NY man strangles fox to death after it attacks his wife in driveway
The couple were both injured in the attack, but are recovering, officials said.