A Lynchburg fox has been identified as having rabies, reports WDBJ7.com, and this should be a warning for the rest of Virginia.
The fox was detained close to a Lynchburg apartment complex and tested positive for the disease Monday, May 21st.
The Virginia Department of Health urges citizens to refrain from feeding wild animals in order to avoid exposure to rabies, as well as to make sure to vaccinate all pets for the dangerous disease.
Below is an excerpt from the Virginia Department of Health’s news release:
The Central Virginia Health District urges residents to be aware of rabies and take precautions to prevent its spread. A fox that tested positive for rabies was captured recently near a Lynchburg apartment complex. “Feeding wild animals or doing other things to attract them into populated areas can lead to people and pets being exposed to rabies,” said the District’s Health Director, Dr. Kerry Gateley. “Besides keeping pets vaccinated against rabies, it’s important not to create conditions that could routinely bring rabid animals and people together.”
The rabies virus is shed in the saliva of animals sick with the virus, so any animal bite should be taken seriously. If an animal bites you, wash the wound and seek medical attention immediately. Likewise, if your pet is bitten by a wild animal, contact your veterinarian or local health department right away to discuss post-exposure treatment.
The Health Department strongly advises people take these steps to prevent families and pets from exposure to rabies:
- Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date.
- Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
- Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
- Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
- Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.
- Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.
- Call your local Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries office or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance about sick or injured wildlife at 434-525-7522.
If you have been bitten by a dog in Northern Virginia, you may want to get tested for rabies. Further, the dog bite attorneys at Parrish Law Firm, PLLC are prepared to fight for the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Call us today at 703-906-4229, or email us now for your free case consultation.
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