The Alabama Division of Public Well being has issued a public warning after a rabid fox bit a lady.
“An older Atmore resident was coming back from grocery buying and unloading her car. Whereas holding a loaf of bread in hand, seemingly from out of nowhere, she was attacked and bitten by a fox,” Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Well being veterinarian, mentioned.
The fox was taken to the Alabama Division of Public Well being Bureau of Medical Laboratories the place it was confirmed optimistic for rabies. Rabies is a viral illness that may be deadly if untreated.
“Though rabies is primarily present in wild animals since widespread vaccination of home animals started over 70 years in the past, it continues to be a public well being menace,” Jones mentioned. “Though assaults akin to this by rabid wildlife are somewhat unusual, it highlights the chance rabies continues poses and hopefully reminds individuals to concentrate on the dangers and proceed to vaccinate their pets.”
Alabama state legislation requires that canine, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be present with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines are additionally accessible for horses and different livestock if really helpful by a veterinarian. Vaccinating animals reduces the chance of rabies an infection ought to publicity happen; thus, vaccinations defend animals, in addition to their house owners and caretakers, officers mentioned.
Along with vaccination, space residents are suggested by the well being division to take the next precautions to keep away from doable exposures to rabies:
Don’t permit pets to run unfastened; confine inside a fenced-in space or with a leash.
Don’t go away uneaten pet meals or scraps close to your residence.
Don’t illegally feed or maintain wildlife as pets.
Don’t go close to wildlife or home animals which are appearing in a wierd or uncommon method.
Warning kids to not go close to any stray or wild animal, no matter its conduct.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Beneath FRONT TOP