A red fox found in the Town of Springwater tested positive for rabies, according to the Livingston County Department of Health.
One person may have been exposed to the infected animal and has been offered preventive treatment, Public Health Director Jennifer Rodriguez announced on July 31.
The New York State Health Department laboratory confirmed the test results. Officials are urging residents to stay vigilant, warning that rabies is a fatal virus that attacks the central nervous system and is most commonly found in raccoons, skunks, and bats within the county.
“All mammals, including unvaccinated dogs, cats, and farm animals are at risk for getting rabies,” the department stated. “There is no way to tell if an animal is rabid just by looking at it.”
Signs of rabies in wildlife may include drooling, aggressive behavior, staggering, and refusal to eat or drink. Residents are advised to report all potential exposures to the health department and avoid contact with wild or feral animals.
To help prevent the spread of rabies, officials advise thoroughly washing any animal bite with soap and water and seeking medical attention immediately. Vaccinating pets is not just strongly encouraged—it’s also required by state law. New York mandates that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies starting at four months of age.
Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabid animals must be either confined for six months or euthanized.
Livingston County offers free rabies vaccination clinics. The next event will be held on August 27 at the Livonia Town Barns. More information is available by calling 243-7280 or visiting www.livingstoncountyny.gov/eh.
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