Health Alert: Environmental Health Warns of Potentially Rabid Fox Near Fall Creek Elementary

(Ithaca, N.Y., January 15, 2023) – Tompkins County Whole Health’s Environmental Health Division reports that a fox attacked a dog that was being walked on Linn Street (Ithaca) around 7:00AM this morning (Sunday, January 15, 2023).  Additionally, a person in the area was reported bitten around 9:00AM this morning. The fox is currently believed to be in the Linn Street/Fall Creek Elementary School area but could travel to other areas. The Tompkins County SPCA and the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) have been alerted and are attempting to locate the fox.

If the fox is sited, avoid all contact and call the IPD’s non-emergency line at 607-272-3245. For emergencies, dial 911.

If anyone is bitten by the fox or think they or their pet may have come in contact with the fox or any other wild animal, contact the Tompkins County Environmental Health Division at (607) 274-6688.

The Health Department reminds everyone to:

1. Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals.
2. All cats, dogs and ferrets must have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four months of age.  Keep vaccinations current! Learn about upcoming free clinics at: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/rabies#clinics           
3. Report the following incidents to Tompkins County Environmental Health 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.

Learn more about Environmental Health’s rabies prevention and control services at: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/rabies. 

The Tompkins County Whole Health is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Get Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text, sign up here.

Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org

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