Rabies Alert Issued In Radnor

RADNOR, PA —Radnor Township issued a rabies alert Tuesday in response to a fox that tested positive for rabies at Willows Park, 490 Darby Paoli Road.

Residents and visitors are asked to avoid contact with wildlife in Willows Park.

Rabies is caused by a virus that can affect the central nervous system of any mammal. The virus is usually transmitted in saliva via the bite of an infected animal.

Last summer, Amanda Bernard of Devon was taking her dogs for a walk in Willows Park when a raccoon bit her Jack Russell terrier.

Bernard, her Jack Russell and her golden retriever survived the attack, recovering under rabies protocol. The raccoon was not located.

The township requests that all domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies.

Contact with feral cats, stray dogs and all wildlife particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks and coyotes should be avoided.

Residents are asked to follow these protocols:

• ·All pets should have a current rabies vaccination.
• All dogs in the area should be leashed at all times.
• Secure all outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Avoid contact with all wildlife and do not feed wild animals.
• If bitten or scratched, by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention.
• Promptly report the incident to Radnor Police or Animal Control at 610-688-5600, ext 111.

Rabies is preventable when treated promptly. More information on rabies is available here.