For more information contact: Cynthia Mosher at 607-274-6688

Health Department Seeks Information About a Dog to Rule Out Rabies Infection

(Ithaca, N.Y., June 21, 2018) — The Tompkins County Health Department must locate a dog that bit a person on West Green Street, between Fayette Street and Cayuga Street in the City of Ithaca. The bite occurred Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at approximately 6:50 AM.



The dog is described as medium sized, with a light brown, wavy coat. It was accompanied by a smaller, black and brown, short-haired dog. The person stated that a woman was walking the dogs at the time of the bite.



The Department seeks to verify the vaccination status and health of the biting dog over a ten day period. If the dog can be located and observed to be healthy by the Department, the risk of rabies infection can be ruled out and rabies post-exposure treatment for the person who was bitten will not be necessary.



Anyone with information regarding this dog is urged to call the Tompkins County Environmental Health Division at (607) 274-6688.

The Health Department reminds everyone to:

Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals. All cats, dogs, and ferrets must have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four months of age. Keep vaccinations current! Report the following incidents to the Tompkins County Health Department at 274-6688: All animal bites or scratches.

Any human or pet contact with saliva or other potentially infectious material (brain tissue, spinal tissue, or cerebro-spinal fluid) of wild animals or any animal suspected of having rabies.

All bat bites, scratches, or any mere skin contact with a bat, or a bat in a room with a child, or sleeping or impaired person. Watch this video to learn how to safely capture a bat: www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/neighborhood/rabiesfacts#bats. If bit by a dog or cat while in the presence of the pet’s owner, exchange contact information.

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