ADPH: Fox in Billingsley area of Autauga County confirmed positive for rabies; precautions advised

A fox found late last week on private property in the general vicinity of the Billingsley junction, where U.S. Highway 82 and Autauga County Road 1 intersect, has been confirmed positive for rabies.

The property owner noticed the fox acting abnormally and having difficulty moving, and promptly notified the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). The owner followed instructions to have the animal safely euthanized and submitted to the public health laboratory for testing.

Fortunately, 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.

According to Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, “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”

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 is multifaceted. It 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:

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· 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.

For more information about rabies and prevention, please contact ADPH at (334) 206-5969 or visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies.html