Caged baby fox at a residence may have potentially exposed several individuals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2011
BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s sixth rabies case for the year in a baby fox on Wednesday morning.
On Tuesday, Alamance County Animal Control was called to a residence on Monroe Holt Road just south of Burlington, in response to a report of an aggressive fox.
Upon further investigation by animal control, it was determined that the baby fox had been captured and caged for the past two weeks. During this time period, two children and one adult have been confirmed to have handled the animal.
Animal control and the Environmental Health division have contacted those individuals that are known to have had an exposure. Any other individuals in the area who have questions or may have come into contact with the baby fox should contact Environmental Health at (336) 570-6367 immediately. Rabies is a fatal illness not only for animals, but humans as well.
As people will more than likely spend time outdoors this holiday weekend, there is always the likelihood of encountering wild and possibly rabid animals. Therefore, everyone should be aware of their surroundings while working or playing outside. Incidents such as this further emphasize the importance of not approaching or playing with any wild animal, caged or roaming freely; no matter how cute or innocent it may appear. Although animals such as foxes and raccoons may not initially exhibit any obvious signs or symptoms of rabies, they still may be carriers of the disease.
Although no dogs or cats were not known to be exposed in this particular incident, owners of dogs and cats should make sure their tailwagger is up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. The next rabies clinic in Alamance County will be held on July 30 from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Burlington Pet Adoption Center, located at 221 Stone Quarry Road in Haw River. The cost is $5.00 per shot.
If you are bitten or scratched by any animal: • Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately. • Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department. • Do not try to catch any wild animal