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Rabid Fox on the Prowl

By Jamie Burch

Warning: Rabid fox spotted in Gonzalez, FL. If untreated, rabies is fatal to humans and pets. If you see the fox or have been bitten/scratched by a wild animal, contact the Escambia Co. Health Department immediately. Rabid Fox on the Prowl

Published: Tue, August 28, 2007 - 10:53 am Last Updated: Tue, August 28, 2007 - 11:32 am

The Escambia County Health Department issued a rabies warning to residents after someone spotted a rabid fox in Gonzalez. If it goes untreated, rabies is fatal to humans and pets. If you see the fox or have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, contact the Escambia County Health Department immediately
(M-F, 8:00-4:30, 850.595.6700 or 850.418.5566 after hours/weekends).
Earlier this month, a resident discovered a rabid raccoon in Innerarity Point.

To Avoid Rabies from Wild Animals
- Avoid contact with wild animals such as foxes and raccoons.
- Keep wild animals out of your house and yard.
- Protect pets by vaccinating them for rabies and keep their shots up-to-date.

To Keep Wild Animals Off Your Property
- Eliminate artificial feeding sources. Bring in pet food at night, secure trash cans with fasteners or enclose them in lockable bins.
- Make sure bird feeders are not accessible to wild animals. Most squirrel-proof coverings also deter wild animals.

Rabies is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals and is usually transmitted to people and other animals when they are bitten or scratched by the rabid animal. Rabies is fatal to humans and animals. Wild animals may have rabies and can carry rabies without showing any signs of the disease.

If you see a suspicious wild animal in your yard or neighborhood, please call animal control at 850.595.3075 during business hours or 850.595.3080 after hours.

If a dead wild animal is on your propery, contact the regional office of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850.265.3676 or their 24-Hour law enforcement at 850.245.7710.