The Tompkins County Health Department reports that a red fox located on North Sunset Drive, on April 19, 2019, in the Village of Cayuga Heights was determined to be rabid by the New York State Rabies Laboratory on April 22, 2019.
Anyone who has questions or thinks they or their pet may have come in contact with the fox or any other wild animal should contact the Tompkins County Health Department at (607) 274-6688.
This is the fifth confirmed rabid animal in Tompkins County for 2019.
The Health Department reminds everyone to:
1. Report the following incidents to the Tompkins County Health Department at 274-6688:
- All animal bites or scratches.
- Any human or pet contact with saliva or other potentially infectious material (brain tissue, spinal tissue, or cerebro-spinal fluid) of wild animals or any animal suspected of having rabies.
- All bat bites, scratches, or any mere skin contact with a bat, or a bat in a room with a child, or sleeping or impaired person.
2. Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals.
3. All cats, dogs and ferrets must have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four
months of age. Keep vaccinations current!
The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) announces its FREE Spring Rabies clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets. The clinics will be held from 7 PM-9 PM on the following dates and at these locations:
Lansing Central Fire Station Wednesday May 1
Danby Fire Station Thursday May 2
Dryden Tompkins County SPCA Wednesday May 8
Enfield Highway Garage Thursday May 9
Ithaca Highway Garage Wednesday May 15
Pre-registration is available for each clinic by calling the Health Department or online through the TCHD website: http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/neighborhood/rabies#clinics.
Walk-ins will be accepted the day of the clinic on a first come first serve basis.
Proof of prior vaccination is required to receive a three year certificate for cats and dogs. If there is no proof of prior vaccination, a one year certificate will be issued. Ferrets must be vaccinated annually.
Follow TCHD on Facebook @TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter @TompkinsHealth.
More information can be found at:
http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/neighborhood/rabies#clinics