Dear Resident,

Please be aware that a rabid fox was recently captured in the vicinity of Rowe Avenue and Olean-Portville Road of Weston’s Mills. A positive rabies diagnosis was confirmed through laboratory testing by the New York State Department of Health.

Currently, we are unaware of any other recent cases of rabies in the immediate area. However, rabies has a long onset time (several weeks or even months). Any animals that potentially had contact with this fox, specifically between June 16th and June 26th could develop rabies with little warning during the next several months. If you have reason to believe one of your animals may have had contact with this fox during the specified time period, please contact our office immediately at (716) 701-3386, so that Health Department staff can assist you in determining an appropriate course of action.

It is strongly recommended that you keep your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. If your pets have been outdoors without supervision, be sure to examine them carefully for any wounds that may have been caused by an animal bite.  Again, Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system of humans and animal. Do not handle any unknown animals, including stray dogs/cats or wildlife such as foxes, raccoons, skunks, or bats. For more info, visit https://www.CattCo.gov/health

Robert Ring
Environmental Health Director
Cattaraugus County Health Department