Over the last two months, Josephine County Animal Control has responded to eight calls regarding foxes that have been potentially rabid.
Three of these incidents included attacks against people who have subsequently been advised to immediately seek medical treatment. Four were attacks on dogs and cats, and one was a sick fox observed near a local residence. The most recent took place on April 5th.
Josephine County and the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife have sent five of the foxes to the Oregon State Health Authority for testing and they were confirmed as positive for rabies. The other three foxes were not recovered.
The Sheriff's Office would like everyone to be vigilant and keep themselves and their pets away from any wildlife that may acting out of the ordinary. Foxes are primarily nocturnal and sightings during daylight are not normal. Bats, foxes and coyotes have been known to contract rabies and have the potential to infect other mammals including humans.
Anyone who has an encounter with an animal not acting normal is encouraged to get to a safe space and keep their pets in secure areas. Please contact Animal Control or the ODFW if a wild animal is observed exhibiting strange behavior.
