GRAHAMSVILLE, NY — The Sullivan County Department of Public Health has confirmed that a grey fox found in the Grahamsville area has tested positive for the rabies virus, renewing public health warnings about avoiding contact with wild animals.
“Rabies is not a rare disease within Sullivan County wildlife,” said Dr. Jessie Moore, Sullivan County’s Public Health Director. “On average, Sullivan County sees four to five rabid animal cases each year—cases that are confirmed only when an animal has had contact with a human and could be tested.”
The infected fox is a reminder of the ongoing risk rabies poses in the region, where the disease is regularly found in raccoons, bats, skunks, woodchucks, and foxes. While less common, rabies can also infect domestic animals, particularly outdoor cats, dogs, and livestock.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. The disease is most commonly spread through the saliva of an infected animal via bites. Although it circulates primarily in wild animals, domestic pets can also become infected if left unvaccinated and allowed to roam freely in wooded or rural areas.
“Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid wildlife and humans,” Moore said. “Protect them, and you protect yourself and your family.”
How to Stay Safe
Health officials strongly advise residents to:
- Avoid any unnecessary contact with wild animals.
- Keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.
- Keep young, unvaccinated pets indoors.
- Do not feed or handle stray or wild animals.
- Supervise pets when outdoors, especially in wooded or rural areas.
New York State law requires rabies vaccination for all dogs, cats, and ferrets over three months of age. Initial shots are good for one year; booster shots can extend protection for up to three years.
What to Do If Bitten
Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal—or who may have come into contact with its saliva—should seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to Sullivan County Public Health at (845) 292-5910.
If the animal can be safely contained, officials urge residents not to let it escape. Depending on the species, the animal may be observed or tested for rabies, which could prevent unnecessary treatment or the euthanization of unvaccinated pets.
Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics
The Department of Public Health is offering a free rabies vaccination clinic on August 12 at Hanofee Park in Liberty from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Officials also plan to schedule an additional free clinic in the Grahamsville area. Residents are encouraged to check the Sullivan County website and local media for updates.
For more information or to report an incident, contact the County’s Disease Surveillance and Investigation unit at (845) 292-5910.