Fox Tested For Rabies After Being Linked To Summit Dog Attacks

SUMMIT, NJ — A fox thought to have been responsible for attacking three dogs in Summit over the past couple of days was captured and tested for rabies, the City of Summit and Westfield Regional Health Department said in a news release Tuesday.

Initial reports from the Summit Police Department indicated that the first bite — which took place on Dale Drive Sunday evening — was by a coyote, and the next two — which occurred near Mountain Avenue and Larned Road Monday evening—were likely by a rabid fox. However, the most recent update from the City of Summit suggested that all three bites were by the same fox.

The fox believed to be involved in the attacks was found near Mountain Avenue and Tulip Street and taken to Animal Control to be tested for rabies, officials said.

"Until test results are available, the Westfield Regional Health Department asks that residents continue to exercise caution when walking outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn," according to officials. "Children and small pets should continue to be supervised when outdoors."

Officials added that spotting a fox out and about during the day is not necessarily a cause for concern, and that most healthy foxes will run away when they encounter humans.

However, Summit Police say that if the animal shows signs of aggression, appears sick, or is acting unusually social toward humans — all possible signs of rabies — you should report it to the Summit Police non-emergency line at 908-273-0051.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabies is a fatal viral disease that can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal like a bat, raccoon, skunk, fox, or—usually internationally—dog.

It is crucial that anyone potentially exposed to rabies receives appropriate medical care before symptoms begin, after which the disease quickly overtakes the central nervous system and almost always leads to death.

Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking prompt Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis after potential exposure, according to the CDC.