Necropsy Shows Parasites Caused Calf's Illness; No Health Risk to Humans

The Rhode Island Department of Health issued a statement Thursday afternoon, reassuring the public there's no health risk to humans in connection with a deceased calf in Tiverton. 

The health department finished its necropsy on the brown calf, the second of three calves to have died in a Tiverton pasture since June. 

The poor health of the brown calf, which was euthanized on July 26, was determined to be caused by "complications from parasites." 

"The results of an animal autopsy performed on the brown calf that was housed in the pen adjacent to Gray’s Ice Cream in Tiverton, and which was euthanized on July 26th, showed no evidence that the calf posed any public health threat," according to the health department's statement. 

"The testing, which was conducted at the University of Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Lab, determined that this calf’s condition was due to complications from parasites that do not cause illness in humans. Therefore, there is no risk to the public who may have had contact with this animal." 

This calf, noted to be in poor health, was reported to the Rhode Island State Veterinarian on July 26. 

This brown calf was housed in the same pen as a black-and-white calf, known as Oreo, which died previously while under quarantine for observation for rabies. The cause of death for Oreo could not be determined. 

However, out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Health urged people who were in contact with Oreo to be treated for rabies exposure. At least 20 people were treated. 

The pen is located next to the popular Gray's Ice Cream shop in Tiverton Four Corners, a popular spot for both residents and tourists. 

The calf is owned by Marilyn Bettencourt, the owner and operator of Gray’s Ice Cream. The ice cream shop owner has declined to speak to Patch.