Rabid fox attacks dog in Loxley

ADPH release
Posted 8/15/18

LOXLEY, Alabama — A fox later found to be rabid attacked a dog on County Road 65 in rural Loxley Tuesday.

According to a release issued Wednesday by the Alabama Department of Public Health, a …

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Rabid fox attacks dog in Loxley

Posted

LOXLEY, Alabama — A fox later found to be rabid attacked a dog on County Road 65 in rural Loxley Tuesday.

According to a release issued Wednesday by the Alabama Department of Public Health, a woman was in her yard with the dog when the fox appeared. She contacted the Loxley Police Department for assistance and then beat the fox off her dog with a long pole.

The police arrived, shot the fox, and sent it to the Mobile State Public Health Laboratory for testing. On Wednesday, the lab confirmed that the fox was positive for rabies.

“Luckily, the fox did not bite the woman and her dog was current on vaccinations and received a booster,” Environmental Director Greg Dunn, Southwestern District, said. “This incident illustrates the importance of being alert and keeping your pets properly immunized. Rabid foxes have bitten six people and two dogs in Baldwin County since May 21.”

The rabies virus is transmitted by saliva. In general, rabies exposure requires direct contact with infected saliva, usually through a bite or a scratch, but other less common contact exposures with mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth) are also considered as potential exposures.

State Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Dee W. Jones, said, “Rabies prevention is multifaceted; it involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposure to their medical provider or the health department.”

Area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposure to rabies:

• Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.

• Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.

• Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.

• Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.

• Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.

• Advise children to tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.

•A person who is bitten or scratched by an animal should wash wounds immediately with mild soap and water, apply first aid, and seek medical attention or contact the county health department immediately.

Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines are also available for horses and other livestock if recommended by a veterinarian. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should an exposure occur; thus vaccinations help protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.

For more information about rabies and prevention, please contact the Baldwin County Health Department at (251) 947-3618. You may also call ADPH at 1-800-338-8374 or (334) 206-5100 or visit http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies.