Rabid Fox Picked Up at Local Shopping Center
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2005
Contact
Diana Yates, Communications Coordinator
217-531-4275
Rabid Fox Picked Up at Local Shopping Center
Public Health Urges Champaign Residents to Vaccinate Pets and Watch for Potentially Rabid Wildlife
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District learned today that a rabid fox was recovered Tuesday at the Round Barn Shopping Center, in Champaign.
A police officer and a woman at the shopping center managed to subdue the fox until Animal Control could collect the animal. State laboratory tests today confirmed that the fox was infected with rabies.
Public Health officials are urging all Champaign area pet owners to observe the following basic precautions:
- Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs, cats and ferrets. This will help protect your pets and your family from rabies.
- Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. They may be unvaccinated and could be infected.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated.
For all residents:
- Enjoy wild animals (raccoons, skunks, foxes) from AFAR. DO NOT handle, feed or attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. DO NOT try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue operation for assistance.
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
- Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other areas where they might come into contact with people.
If you see raccoons, skunks, foxes or other wildlife in areas where they are not normally seen, or that are behaving in an aggressive manner, please call Animal Control at: 217-384-3798. The hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you need to make a report at other hours you may call the non-emergency dispatch center at: 217-333-8911.