Politics & Government
Officials Learn of Third Calf Dying in Tiverton Pasture
Three calves have died since June in a Tiverton pasture, located next to a popular ice cream shop frequently visited by tourists.
The Department of Health has learned of a third calf dying of mysterious causes in a pasture in Tiverton Four Corners, reports EastBayRI.com.
Health officials tell EastBayRI.com they learned about this calf's death, which occurred in June, last Friday - too late to test for a possible cause.
This is the third calf to have died of mysterious causes in this pasture, located at 16 East Road, next to the popular Gray's Ice Cream shop in Tiverton Four Corners, in the last three months.
While at least 20 people were treated for rabies exposure in connection with the first calf's death, the second deceased calf tested negative for rabies.
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.
The Department of Health issued an alert after a Massachusetts child was bitten by the first calf, known as Oreo, in the pasture on July 15.
Massachusetts Public Health authorities were notified of the bite and the incident was then reported to DEM.
DEM in turn notified the Tiverton Animal Control Officer, who issued an order of quarantine for the animal since all bites from mammals are considered potential rabies exposures. The three-month-old black-and-white steer was then placed into quarantine by construction of a barrier that prevented any contact with the public.
The animal, the first calf, was found dead on July 21 while still under the 10-day quarantine period.
The Department of Health issued a warning that residents and visitors, who had contact with the calf, could be potentially at risk for being exposed to rabies.
Health officials recommended these individuals be evaluated for post-exposure vaccination by public health authorities. At least 20 people contacted the Department of Health.
Want to read more on this story? Check out our previous coverage by clicking the links below.
Twenty To Be Treated for Rabies Exposure
Health Dept. Issues Rabies Warning Near Ice Cream Shop
Health Dept. Seeks Individuals Who Petted Calf Near Gray's
Second Dead Calf Tests Negative for Rabies
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