Possible Rabid Fox Sighted In Douglas County

DOUGLASVILLE, GA – Douglas County Animal Control Officers are warning residents in the Winston area of Douglas County of a potentially rabid fox that has bitten and scratched two people. On Monday, Aug. 20, Douglas County Animal Control Officers responded to a complaint of a fox that had bitten a citizen and again on Tuesday, Aug, 21, for a second bite.

It is not known if the fox is rabid or if the same fox is involved in the two situations. The fox is believed to be in the area of Highway 78 in Winston, Georgia. Animal Control Services notified area residents. The county is urging residents in the area to please take necessary precaution. Here are some suggestions:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for your pet.

• Keep your cats indoors and keep your dogs on a leash when outside.

• Don’t leave food or garbage outside that may attract wild animals.

• Stay away from wild animals and do not feed them.

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Rabies is a viral disease of mammals transmitted in the saliva of an infected animal. It is transmitted when the infected animal bites another mammal. Rabies in humans is 100 percent preventable by vaccination. In the United States, the rabies virus is mostly spread by wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. The rabies virus is endemic in Georgia.

If you see wildlife acting, call Animal Control at 770-942-5961.

For further information, you can contact Douglas County Director of Communications and Community Relations Rick Martin at 770-920-7303 or Cobb & Douglas Public Health Director of Communications Valerie Crow at 770-514-3109 or email at Valerie.crow@dph.ga.gov.

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