Town ofFoxboroughMassachusetts

Resources
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For Horse Owners...Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) assist landowners with horses in simple practices that can help prevent the contamination of local water supplies.
For Poultry Owners...2022 Avian Flu Information:
An Animal Health Order was recently issued by MDAR in response to the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and has ordered "the cancelation or postponement of all competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps, or other in-person events encouraging the gathering or commingling of domestic fowl or poultry in Massachusetts..."
The Order is set to be rescinded on July 1, 2022, unless circumstances demand an extension at that time.  Read full order by clicking the link above.

How to Keep Your Backyard Flock Safe (MDAR informational flyer)
According to MDAR's informational flyer, if you have sick or dead birds or if suspect avian influenza, call and report it to the MDAR, Animal Health Division at 617-626-1795.  And do not move any birds on or off your premises.

Raising chickens?  Did you know there is a danger of being exposed to Salmonella infections during your daily care and contact with them.  The CDC has seen an increase in Salmonella outbreaks originating from backyard flocks in recent years.  Check out this flyer with eye opening statistics!
Learn more on how you and your family can stay safe while enjoying the benefits of your backyard flocks.

For more information on backyard chicken safety, visit the CDC's Healthy Pets, Health People website.  This site also has a very interesting FAQ section as well.
For Reptile/Amphibian Owners...Calling all reptile and amphibian pet owners!!!  The CDC warns of the dangers in Salmonella infections associated with the care of these pets.  Learn more about best practices when caring for and owning a reptile/amphibian.

FUN FACT!  It's illegal for stores to sell turtles whose shells are less than 4" long.  According to CDC, this 1975 ban has prevented an estimated 100,000 cases of Salmonella infection among children.

Emergency Preparedness for your Pets/Animals...
Do you have a plan for your pets and animals during an emergency?
Learn how to plan and what to think about.

Petting Zoos & Animal Exhibits...
Warmer weather brings fairs, festivals, zoos!!!
According to CDC, 100 outbreaks of illnesses (between 2010-2015) were linked to animal exhibits in public settings
So...K.N.O.W. before you go

And here is a CDC Poster that is available for operator's of animal exhibits - Reminding patrons to wash hands after leaving the exhibit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Rabies

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The risk of rabies is real.  Rabies affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals.  Rabies is almost always fatal, but if caught early, before symptoms develop, can be prevented through the administration of a series of shots.  Although, fatalities are low among humans in the United States (1-2 persons/year), the presence of rabies in mammals is common in Massachusetts, especially in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.  According to the CDC, 93 of every 100 reported rabies cases in the U.S. are in wild animals.  So it is important to remember and to teach others how to be safe around animals.

Remember...
*You can't tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it.
*Stay away from wild and unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly.
*If you've been bitten, scratched or believe you've been exposed, clean the area immediately for ten minutes, call you Health Care Provider, call your City/Town's Animal Control Officer.
*Take a look and learn more with MA DPH's Rabies Fact Sheet

Rabies Clinic

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Did you know?  Massachusetts law requires all cats, dogs and ferrets to be vaccinated for rabies.

Protect your pets and get them vaccinated.

Foxborough typically holds a rabies vaccination clinic every first Saturday in April.  This year's Rabies Clinic will be held on April 1, 2023.  See details in the flyer below.

2023 Rabies Clinic Flyer

Bat Safety

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Fact: The animals that most commonly carry rabies in Massachusetts are raccoons, skunks, and bats!
What to do if you find a bat in your house!
How to capture & remove a bat from your home!