(Ithaca, N.Y., January 27, 2023) – Tompkins County Whole Health’s Environmental Health Division would like to thank all media outlets that published or broadcast our press release dated January 20, 2023, regarding a potentially rabid gray fox near Ravenwood Apartments in the Fall Creek area, downtown Ithaca. The reports, along with the community’s help, allowed for quick resolution of this issue. Thanks are extended as well to the Tompkins County SPCA Animal Control and Ithaca City Police Department (IPD) for their swift responses.
Testing performed by Wadsworth Laboratory confirmed the presence of the rabies virus in the gray fox. If you or your pets had contact with or were bitten by this fox or any other wild animal, please contact the Tompkins County Environmental Health (EH) Division at (607) 274-6688.
EH would like to alert the community that healthy wild animals like foxes, raccoons, and skunks may be active during the day at this time of year, seeking mates or foraging for food, and this behavior alone is not indicative of rabies. These animals should still attempt to avoid human contact. Rabid animals may stagger, stumble or have difficulty walking, show severe aggression, appear unusually tame, attack or bite at the air or inanimate objects, or be too sick to move away from approaching humans or pets. Infected animals can shed the virus for several days before appearing sick. Report any suspicious behavior, contact or bites to EH (607-274-6688).
Tompkins County Whole Health reminds everyone to:
- Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals.
- NYS law requires all cats, dogs and ferrets to have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four months of age. Keep vaccinations current! NYS law also requires that dogs be licensed in the municipalities in which they reside.
- Report the following incidents to the Tompkins County Health Department at 607-274-6688:
- All animal bites or scratches. If you are bitten by cat or dog, be sure to obtain owner’s contact information.
- 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.
Further information can be found at: tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/rabies.
Tompkins County Whole Health (formerly the Tompkins County Health Department): envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Sign up to receive Health Department updates or other county announcements via email or text.
Media Contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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