Fox tests positive for rabies in Chesterfield County

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A fox has tested positive for rabies in Chesterfield County on Monday.

According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), a fox found near Old Happy Hill Road and Branders Bridge Road in Chester on Monday, May 19 has tested positive for rabies.

Anyone who may have had contact with this animal is asked to contact the Chesterfield Health District at 804-914-2676 or Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1251.

According to officials, exposure to rabies is considered any bite, scratch or other circumstance where saliva from a suspected rabid animal enters an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth. This includes dogs and cats that have bitten a person until the end of the 10-day observation period.

VDH said rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is preventable in domestic animals through vaccinations, but it is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated.

To help prevent the spread of rabies and rabies exposures, VDH advises people to do the following:

• Avoid contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know.
• Report sick or injured animals to Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1251.
• Vaccinate all of your dogs and cats, and keep their vaccinations current. Talk with your veterinarian about rabies vaccinations that are available for other domestic animals.
• Call your doctor and the local health department if you are concerned about rabies exposure, or your veterinarian and local animal control if you think your pet has been exposed to an animal with rabies.

Virginia law requires pet owners to maintain current rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats aged four months and older. All animal bites and rabies exposures -- from wild and domestic animals -- must be reported to the Chesterfield Health District, according to officials.

Anyone who sees a wild animal exhibiting neurologic symptoms, such as a lack of fear of humans, circling or wobbly gait or inability to stand, is asked not to attempt to handle or capture it.

Instead, contact Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1251 or the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or email wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov.

For more information, visit VDH's website.