Gray fox tested positive for rabies in Bennington

BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10) — A gray fox recently tested positive for rabies in the town of Bennington, town officials reported in a Facebook post on Monday. Authorities urge residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their animals from the disease.

According to the Vermont Department of Health, which keeps a database of confirmed rabies cases within the state, rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain, commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal. The virus is only transmitted when introduced into a bite wound, open cuts on the skin or onto mucous membranes like the mouth and eyes. Rabies is fatal for both animals and humans. 

In Vermont, rabies is most commonly found in wild animals, like raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats and woodchucks, according to the health department. Cats, dogs and livestock can also get rabies if they have not been vaccinated and were bitten by an infected animal. 

If you are bitten by an animal, authorities recommend washing the wound very well with soap and water. Additionally, contact your local health provider and follow all their instructions. 

If your pet or farm animal was exposed to a wild or stray animal that might have rabies, contact your veterinarian. Pets should be vaccinated for rabies, and Vermont state law requires that both dogs and cats — including barn cats — be up-to-date on their rabies vaccine.

Do not touch or pick up wild or stray animals or try to make them into pets. Doing so can put you or your family at risk of exposure through a bite or a scratch, and you cannot tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it.

If you see a wild or stray animal behaving strangely, or you are concerned about a rabies exposure, call the Rabies Hotline (1-800-4-RABIES) or report it to your town’s animal control officer.