SHOW LOW, Ariz. — Residents and recreationists are advised to enjoy wildlife from afar in the Show Low and Pinetop areas after four instances of wild foxes approaching and attacking humans and pets were reported in the last two weeks.
Two of the fox carcasses were sent to the state laboratory and tested positive for rabies, the Navajo County Public Health Services said.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease. It is most often transmitted through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Rabies is most commonly reported in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
Rabies causes severe damage to the central nervous system and usually leads to death, according to a news release from AZGFD. Rabies exposure can be treated through prompt administration of an anti-rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin.
If you are bitten by a wild animal or have contact with the saliva of a wild animal, NCPHSD advises you to seek immediate medical attention. Rabies treatment must begin quickly.
“People should continue to enjoy the outdoors, but just be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from wildlife,” AZGFD Wildlife Manager Cody Johnston said. “If you see an animal acting abnormally, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department or the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.”
Domesticated animals often come into contact with wild animals and are at an increased risk. Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Valuable livestock and horses may be able to receive a rabies vaccine as well.
If your pet is exposed to a high-risk wild animal such as a bat, skunk, raccoon, fox or coyote, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Bat bites can be difficult to detect, so if you find a bat in your home, do not release it until you speak with animal control or a public health official, the press release said.
Here are a few ways to keep yourself, your pets and others safe from rabies:
- Keep your distance from wild animals or stray domesticated animals and do not have physical contact with them.
- Never bring wild animals into your home. Do not try to nurse sick wild animals back to health. Call animal control for assistance.
- Do not feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
- Ensure that your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccine.
- Keep pets on a leash while recreating in the outdoors.
- Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
- Maintain homes and other buildings to prevent unwanted animals from getting inside.
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