FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Dee W. Jones, D.V.M., (334) 206-5969

An Escambia resident was attacked and bitten by a fox on August 7 outside the victim’s residence on Highway 31 in Atmore. Another person was present at the time of the incident and came in direct physical contact with the fox. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department was notified of the incident, and a rabies investigation was begun.

The fox was taken to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Bureau of Clinical Laboratories, where it was confirmed positive for rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if untreated. Both persons are receiving appropriate medical attention, and the victim is receiving post-exposure prophylaxis. No additional exposures have been identified at this time.

"Although rabies is primarily found in wild animals, since widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, it continues to be a risk and a public health threat,” Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, said. “Although attacks such as this by rabid wildlife are rather uncommon, it highlights the risk rabies continues to pose and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets.”

It is very common for domestic animals and pets to have contact with a wild rabid animal. 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 exposure occur; thus, vaccinations protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.

Rabies prevention is multifaceted. It involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure that their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposures to their medical provider and ADPH. In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposures 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.

For more information, visit the rabies page on ADPH's Infectious Diseases website.        

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County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health

Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.