Two Separate Rabid Animal Attacks Injures Boy, Family Pets

Utica, NY (WIBX) - An Oneida County boy and several pets are undergoing treatment for rabies after being bitten by two wild rabid animals in two separate incidents. It happened earlier this week in Clinton and the Town of Floyd. Ken Fanelli, Public Information Officer with the health department explains, "In the Town of Floyd, a resident went into her garage to find her pet cat cornered by a raccoon that had apparently been attacked by a porcupine." He said the raccoon was embedded with quills in its body but managed to bite the cat several times before being killed by the homeowner. He goes onto say that the raccoon tested positive for rabies. The cat had been vaccinated for rabies but was not up to date with its shots. The animal was given a booster shot and will be quarantined for 6 months.

Fanelli says the other incident happened the next day in Clinton when a boy was bitten by a rabid fox. He said, "The young boy went into an out building on his family's property and was chased and bitten by a rabid grey fox. Two of the families pet dogs apparently came to the boy's aid--they were also bitten before the boy's father was able to kill the fox." He said the young boy is going through post exposure treatment and the two dogs were current on their vaccinations and were given booster shots.

Health officials say the incident should serve as a reminder to pet owners to have their animals vaccinated for rabies. A rabies clinic, sponsored by the Oneida County Health Department will be held on Tuesday August 2nd at The Cassville Firehouse from 5-7 pm. Pets must be leashed or in a pet carrier and a $10 donation per pet is requested. For more information on rabies treatment and prevention, or for a complete schedule of rabies clinics, call the Oneida County Health Department at (315) 798-5064 or visit the agencies website at, www.ocgov.net.