NEW: Rabid Fox Found In East Greenwich

GoLocalProv News Team

NEW: Rabid Fox Found In East Greenwich

(Photo: Eric Chan, Flickr)
The Department of Environmental Management has received positive confirmation of rabies in a dead gray fox that was found in East Greenwich and submitted for testing on December 10. The dead animal was discovered in a barn located in the vicinity of Tillinghast and Frenchtown Roads on December 9.

This is the same neighborhood where a suspected rabid fox had attacked several individuals last month. It is unknown how long the gray fox had been dead or if this is the same fox that bit East Greenwich residents in November. However, it is likely that the fox transmitted rabies to other animals in the area before it died.

The barn where the fox was found housed a horse that was not properly vaccinated against rabies. The horse has since been administered rabies vaccine and has been quarantined.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Finding rabies in wildlife is common and is one of the reasons why DEM prohibits people from possessing native wildlife and limits those who are authorized to rehabilitate sick or injured wildlife to those individuals who are properly trained and immunized against rabies.

Although there has not been a human case of rabies in Rhode Island since 1940, it is important that all Rhode Islanders take steps to protect themselves from rabies exposure. This positive rabies finding in an animal serves as a reminder to all Rhode Islanders that rabies remains prevalent throughout the state and that residents should continue to undertake sensible precautions. Those include: vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, securing garbage, not allowing pet animals to run loose, and not leaving pet food outside.

Anyone who could have had potential contact with a fox or other wild animal in that area should contact the RI Department of Health’s Division of Infectious Diseases at 401-222-2577 for evaluation. Any animal owner whose pet or other domestic animal may have had contact with a fox or other wild animal should report the contact to their animal control officer.


Rhode Island’s 50 Richest and Most Influential - 2013

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.