A fox caught near the intersection of Clarks Bluff Road and Vacuna Road just inside the Kingsland city limits has tested positive for rabies. At least one dog and one cat were exposed to the fox. Camden County Environmental Health officials encourage residents to stay away from wild animals, keep an eye out for animals acting strangely, and make sure that all pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.
Foxes, along with other animals that are native to coastal Georgia including raccoons and bats, can be carriers of rabies. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.
The Camden County Health Department Environmental Health division offers these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:
- Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
- Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines by four months of age, followed by a booster shot one year later, and another one every year as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
- Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Camden County Animal Control at 912-576-7395 and the Camden County Health Department Environmental Health Division at 912-729-6012.
