Suspected Rabid Fox Bit Pet Dog On Westchester Porch

NORTH SALEM, NY — A fox that is suspected of having rabies bit a pet dog, according to officials in Westchester County.

North Salem Town Supervisor Warren Lucas posted on Sunday that a fox bit a family dog on the front porch of a home near St. James Church. Authorities believe the fox is rabid.

Lucas recommended that residents not let their dogs run free in the area of Route 121/Route 116/June Road.

Pet owners are also asked to have their dogs vaccinated as soon as possible, if the animals are not already vaccinated.

"Rabies is fatal, but it is also 100 percent preventable with post-exposure treatment," Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said after a rabid cat was dropped off at a Yonkers pet hospital in December. "To avoid rabies, steer clear of wild animals and strays. If you see an injured or sick animal, call police. Teach your children to not to approach or handle animals they don’t know, even if they appear young injured or friendly, and to tell you right away if they are bitten or scratched by any animal. It is also important to bat proof your home and keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. Discourage wild animals from visiting your yard by securely covering trash cans and keeping pet food and water indoors."

The health department added that unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may become abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable, or appear passive and lethargic. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes seen. Any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a medical provider. All animal bites or contact with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the County Health Department.

Find more information from the county here or call the RABIES INFOLINE at (914) 813-5010.