Rabid fox found in Autauga County; pet owners urged to take precautions

AUTAUGA COUNTY, Ala. (WAKA) – State health officials confirm that a rabid fox has been found in the Billingsley area of northeast Autauga County.

The Alabama Department of Public Health says the fox was found late last week on private property near U.S. Highway 82 at Autauga County Road 1.

The property owner noticed the fox acting abnormally and having difficulty moving, and notified state health officials. The owner followed instructions to have the animal safely euthanized and submitted to the public health laboratory for testing.

There was no human exposure in this case. Two vaccinated dogs were potentially exposed, and all animals on the property are receiving rabies booster vaccinations.

“It is invaluable to have people in our rural communities who are familiar with wildlife and notice when an animal is behaving abnormally. In this case, their observation and awareness have played an important role in rabies surveillance within the community,” State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee W. Jones said.

There have been other cases of rabies in our area this year. In March, a rabid dog was found in Covington County, while in May, two other cases were confirmed — a raccoon with rabies was found in Auburn and a rabid fox attacked a person in Tallassee in Elmore County.

Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Although there are animal rabies vaccines that last for one year or three years, the first rabies vaccination is only valid for one year, regardless of which vaccine a pet receives. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should an exposure occur; thus, vaccinations help protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.

Rabies prevention involves people taking precautions around wildlife, ensuring that their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting any animal bite or other exposure to their medical provider or ADPH. In addition to vaccination, 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 on 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.