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Ballston Spa officials have confirmed there are no rabies cases in the community after a recent scare involving a fox. A police officer shot and killed a fox suspected of having rabies, but tests revealed it did not have the virus. The incident led to a warning issued by Mayor Frank Rossi about potential rabid fox sightings in the area. However, wildlife experts clarified that the fox likely had mange, a treatable skin condition, rather than rabies.
Paula Sheridan, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, explained that mange can make foxes appear sickly, but it is not as serious as rabies. She emphasized that mange is treatable with a simple medication and advised residents to look out for signs of rabies, such as excessive salivation, seizures, and aggressive behavior. Sheridan also noted that foxes with mange might be seen more often during the day as they seek warmth, which is not necessarily a sign of rabies.
Victoria Rasanen, another wildlife expert, highlighted that increased sightings of foxes in urban areas are common due to habitat encroachment. She advised residents to report any unusual animal behavior to authorities rather than assume rabies. The New York State Department of Conservation stated that statewide reports of rabid foxes are not above average this year.
Residents are encouraged to contact local authorities if they encounter wildlife behaving erratically. For more information, they can reach out to the Saratoga County Department of Health or the Department of Environmental Conservation.