The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued a public warning after a rabid fox bit a woman.
“An elderly woman in Atmore was returning from grocery shopping and was unloading her car, had a loaf of bread in her hand, when a fox appeared out of nowhere and attacked and bit her,” said Dr. Dee W. Jones, state public health veterinarian.
The fox was taken to the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Clinical Laboratory, where it was confirmed to be positive for rabies, a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated.
“Since widespread vaccination of livestock more than 70 years ago, rabies, which is primarily found in wildlife, remains a public health threat,” Jones said. “While attacks such as this one by rabid wildlife are rather rare, they highlight the risk that rabies continues to pose and hopefully encourage people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets.”
Alabama law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets over 12 weeks of age be vaccinated against rabies. You can also vaccinate horses and other livestock if your veterinarian recommends it. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of infection if they do become infected with rabies, so vaccination protects not only the animals but also their owners and caretakers, officials say.
In addition to getting vaccinated, the health department advises area residents to take the following precautions to avoid possible rabies exposure:
- Please do not allow pets to run loose – keep them confined to a fenced area or on a lead.
- Do not leave uneaten pet food or leftover food near your residence.
- Do not illegally feed wild animals or keep them as pets.
- Stay away from any wild or domestic animals that are behaving strangely or abnormally.
- Regardless of their behavior, remind your children to stay away from stray and wild animals.
Graphic from NorthEscambia.com.
