Following the story we first reported Monday, The Columbia County Health Department has put out a statement on the recent rabies cases:
September 25, 2019
For immediate Release
A recent incident in Columbia County has warranted a reminder to residents regarding rabies awareness. The Columbia County Health Department reports, a fox attacked a woman in Germantown resulting in the rabies post exposure vaccination because the fox tested positive for rabies.
The Columbia County Department of Health experienced a sharp increase in the number of cases, of confirmed rabid animals as we entered into the warmer months of spring with six out of seven raccoons that tested positive for rabies. According to Environmental Health Director Ed Coons, “ The danger of rabies is not limited to raccoons, as the animals are most likely to come into contact with other mammals, such as skunks, foxes and feral cats. The recent attack suggests this contact between the mammals most likely caused the fox to be positive for rabies.” Any potential rabies exposure to any wild or stray animal should be reported to the Columbia County Health Department 518-828-3358. Mr. Coons also adds, “Prevention continues to be the best way to avoid a possible exposure.”
Prevention begins with the Pet owner. According to New York State Public Health law, dogs, cats and ferrets kept as pets must be immunized against rabies by their owner(s), defined as “any person keeping, harboring or having charge or control of, or permitting any dog, cat or domesticated ferret to remain on or to be lodged or fed within such person’s house, yard, or premises.”
The Columbia County Department of Health has two more rabies clinics scheduled for cats, dogs and ferrets. Pet owners are strongly encouraged to get their pet vaccinated. There is no charge to Columbia County residents,
October 2 (Wed) Claverack Town Park
Cats and Ferrets 4:00 – 5:00
Dogs 5:00 – 6:00 Mountain View Animal Hospital
Church Street, Mellenville
November 2 (Sat) Kinderhook Town Hall
Cats and Ferrets 2:00 – 3:00 Dr. S. Gagliardi
Dogs 3:00 – 4:00 Chatham Small Animal Hospital
3211Church Street, Valatie - Martin H. Glynn School