Venango Co. fox, Clarion Co. raccoon test positive for rabies

A gray fox in Venango County and a raccoon in Clarion County have tested positive for rabies according to press releases issued this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

According to the first report, a man discovered a gray fox attacking a horse in its pasture located along Neiltown Road, Pleasantville, Allegheny Township, Venango County.

The man shot the fox and submitted it to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory where it tested positive for rabies.

One currently vaccinated horse was exposed to the fox, the release said. The horse will receive a booster vaccine and be quarantined for 90 days. No humans were exposed to the fox.

The second report released Wednesday said a raccoon found at Eckel Drive, Lucinda, Washington Township, Clarion County, tested positive for rabies.

The release said a man walked into his barn during the day and found a raccoon with porcupine quills in its face growling at him. The man shot the raccoon and submitted it to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory where it tested positive for rabies. No humans or domestic animals were exposed to the raccoon.

The two incidents come just days after a bat that was found in an Oil City home tested positive for rabies.