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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: September 9, 2008
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

DEM CAUTIONS WEST WARWICK RESIDENTS OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING RABID WILDLIFE AND DOGS
A Fox and a Skunk Test Positive for Rabies

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management cautions residents of West Warwick that there were two separate incidents in the past week involving pet dogs that came into contact with rabid animals - a fox and a skunk. There have been no reports of human contact with either the fox or the skunk.

In the first instance on September 4, a dog belonging to a family living on Pawtuxet Terrace came into contact with a rabid fox. West Warwick police called DEM environmental police officers, who captured the fox and brought it to the RI Department of Health Laboratory, where it subsequently tested positive for rabies. Family members handled the dog following the attack, and they are currently undergoing treatment by the Department of Health.

On September 6, a rabid skunk was removed from property on Summit Street in West Warwick. DEM environmental police officers also responded to this incident, capturing one skunk and submitting a second one that was found dead on that property to the Department of Health Laboratory, where it tested positive for rabies.

DEM's state veterinarian Scott Marshall, DVM, says that all Rhode Island residents should take sensible precautions such as staying away from wildlife, vaccinating pets, securing garbage, and not leaving pet food outside. Those in West Warwick should be particularly aware, and report any human contact with wildlife to DEM's Division of Law Enforcement at 222-3070. Any contact between domestic animals and wildlife should be reported to West Warwick Animal Control or the West Warwick Police Department.

Rabid animals have been found in every community in Rhode Island except New Shoreham. Last year, DEM environmental police officers received more than 2,500 rabies-related calls. In addition, approximately 1,200 animal bites were reported to the Department of Health and 285 people were treated with the rabies vaccine in 2007.

Rabies virus is widespread among wildlife in Rhode Island. Approximately 1,200 animals in Rhode Island, primarily skunks, bats, and raccoons, have tested positive for rabies since the state's first confirmed case in 1994.

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For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer