Fox in Burkville community confirmed positive for rabies; precautions advised

MARCH 21, 2025 - LOWNDES COUNTY, AL. - A fox that scratched a hunter in the Burkville community of Lowndes County has tested positive for rabies. The scratch occurred when the fox repeatedly attacked and began biting the hunter's shoes. The fox was eventually subdued, captured and submitted to the Alabama Department of Public Health laboratory for rabies testing. The person has already begun receiving the post-exposure prophylaxis series.

According to Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, rabies really does not have seasons, but in the spring more animal movement does seem to result in an uptick in positive rabid animal cases. He adds that additional testing is being performed to determine the strain of rabies. He indicates that it is expected to be the raccoon strain, the primary reservoir of rabies in terrestrial animals in Alabama, including this area of Lowndes County. He states that instances of wildlife species attacking people is not common, but it does happen because of the altered mental states the virus causes in the animal.

"This is a good reminder as the warmer months get underway to remember to vaccinate your animals and to report any strange-acting wildlife," Dr. Jones said. "Since foxes are communal animals which can increase the likelihood of transmission, it is possible that additional foxes within this geographical proximity may be infected."

Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Although there are animal rabies vaccines that last for one year or three years, the first rabies vaccination is only good for one year, regardless of which vaccine a pet receives. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should an exposure occur; thus, vaccinations help protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.

Rabies prevention is multifaceted. It involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposure to their medical provider or ADPH. In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposure to rabies:

· Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.

· Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.

· Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.

· Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.

· Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.

For more information about rabies and prevention, please contact ADPH at (334) 206-5969 or visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/