GEORGIA — Health and animal services officials are urging residents to ensure their pets and livestock are vaccinated after a fox that attacked a person in Burke County tested positive for rabies.
According to Burke County Animal Services, the incident occurred June 6 near George Perkins and Story Mill roads. The fox was removed the same day and sent for testing. On June 10, the Georgia Department of Public Health notified local officials that the animal had tested positive for rabies.
State and local authorities are advising residents to avoid contact with wild animals and to immediately report any encounters involving people, pets or livestock.
Officials said keeping dogs, cats and livestock current on rabies vaccinations through a licensed veterinarian is the most effective protection against the virus.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that is typically spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. In coastal Georgia, the virus is most commonly found in wildlife including raccoons, foxes and bats.
Health officials also recommend that residents avoid feeding or handling wild animals, refrain from attempting to domesticate wildlife and avoid contact with feral cats. Pet owners are encouraged to keep pet food indoors and secure garbage containers to avoid attracting wildlife.
The Liberty County Health Department’s Environmental Health office advises residents to teach children not to approach unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly.
Officials said signs of rabies in animals can include sudden behavioral changes, aggression, biting, a lack of fear of humans, foaming at the mouth and paralysis.
