Animal Control: Fox tests positive for rabies

Hood County Animal Control announced Tuesday (May 10) that a dead fox  —  which had reportedly tried to bite three people —  has tested positive for rabies.

That’s according to a Tuesday, May 10 news release from Animal Control Sergeant Kelly McNab, who reported that Animal Control was dispatched to the 4300 block of Peak Road on Thursday, May 5.

“Before the fox had perished, it had charged and attempted to bite three people,” McNab stated in the news release. “Upon arrival, Animal Control picked up the deceased fox and it was submitted for rabies testing to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The results of the test found the fox to be positive for the rabies virus.”

Animal Control is urging people “not to touch or handle wild animals, as some wild animals may be infected with rabies. These include but are not limited to coyotes, bats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, or feral cats and dogs. Please note that while not all wild animals are rabid, rabid animals may not always appear sick.

“If you see a wild animal in a location where a person or pet can reach it contact Hood County Animal Control at (817) 573-4277 or Hood County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (817) 579-3311.”

McNab noted that from January to May this year, there have been eight animals that tested positive for the rabies virus in Hood County

The release also states:

—  Animal contact, such as bites or scratches, may lead to exposure to rabies. Infected animals can transmit the rabies virus prior to the onset of symptoms. Rabies is always fatal if left untreated.

—  Vaccination of all cats and dogs is required by state law and is the first line of defense against human infection.

—  We urge every cat and dog owner to have all their animals vaccinated for rabies and to keep vaccinations up to date. People should also consider vaccinating their livestock. Please see your veterinarian for more information about rabies vaccination.