03/31/2025
This is from Dedham, but a good FYI
Last week, we posted an advisory, following two incidents of a fox attack, after of which we were able to capture, subsequently resulting in a confirmed case of rabies.
Following this positive test result, we canvassed the neighborhood where these incidents took place, posting notices, advising anyone or any pets who may have come into unreported contact with the fox, to reach out to us so that we could advise of a protocolled response aimed at protecting [them] from the exposure.
We are so pleased that not only has this tight knit neighborhood done a superb job of sharing this important information with one another, but while we were actively present in the neighborhood throughout the week, we were approached by numerous residents, advising us of their awareness, and thanking us for taking an immediate and proactive response aimed at public safety and public health.
Even more pleasing, is that it does not appear that any additional people/pets came into contact with this fox.
To reiterate, this rabid fox is no longer a threat. Our capturing of it is what led to its rabies testing.
It is important to know that once symptoms of rabies appear in an animal, its death usually occurs within 7-10 days. This means that the carrier animal which transmitted rabies to this fox, is likely long deceased.
Absent knowing if the fox made any physical contact with any other area-inhabiting wildlife, our next focus is on maintaining awareness of any other wildlife acting peculiar- in the same neighborhood.
Reporting concerning wildlife behavior is always a general year-round advisory, irregardless of this confirmed rabid fox, however, given that we have difinitively identified that this animal had rabies, in an area known for common observations of natural wildlife, increased awareness in the Sandy Vally and Chute Rds neighborhood, is advised.
This advisory is not to alarm but to remind our community that:
🐾wildlife exists here and throughout nearly every Massachusetts city/town;
🐾known incidents caused by an animal known to have rabies, brings with it concerns about other wildlife which may have come into contact with the confirmed rabid animal;
🐾the fact that this fox had only been seen, and had only caused incidents in this neighborhood, gives us a good observational footprint for further protecting the public as well as healthy thriving wildlife.
Please remember, in reporting, that simply seeing wildlife during the daylight hours does not mean the animal is rabid.
Animals previously known to be nocturnal, have been adjusting their activities over the last several years, as they become more acclimated to coexisting with us humans, and in that, often some of the best food sources come [from us] during the daytime.
Concerning signs in wildlife for which to watch out include unusual behavior, such as aggression (as we saw this week in our fox); friendliness (willingness to approach); disorientation or paralysis (falling over, appearing ‘drunk’, inability to use rear legs).
Observing these signs doesn't always presume rabies, as there are other conditions which can present similarly, however, such should always be reported-as both a precaution and so that we can render the most appropriate response.
Again, and especially this time of year, it is very natural to see wildlife out and about-day and night-as dens are being formed, or are already in place, and parent wildlife are often out foraging while their young offspring remain in their dens.
Coyotes, in particular, like to bathe in the warmth of the sun.
Dedham has a presence of healthy wildlife- wildlife that, while often visible, respectfully coexists within our community.
The best way to keep ourselves and our pets safe, is to avoid conflicts with wildlife...
🐾remove food sources and avoid feeding wildlife;
🐾keep pets rabies vaccinated;
🐾keep pets leashed and supervised;
🐾report bites and wounds of unknown origin (wounds of unknown origin are especially important to note on cats that frequent outdoors).
[Photo: rabid fox from last week's incidents, prior to its capture/submission for rabies testing. Photo courtesy of Chute Rd resident, Terrence; taken after the fox chased him into his home]
