State watching rabies attacks, new strain potential issue
A recent spree of attacks in Topsham points to a potential cluster of rabies, but not more rabies in the state, experts say.
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A recent spate of attacks on humans and pets by foxes in Topsham may be in part due to a new strain of rabies, according to experts.
As of April 18, there have been five such attacks in Topsham this year.
State Veterinarian Michele Walsh theorizes a rabies strain more associated with raccoons has begun infecting gray foxes. Recent tests by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from foxes involved in attacks last year support that theory.