Rabies in Mangum?

This is the third fox taken in town in the last month that showed signs of rabies, according to local officials. The photo was taken in our yard. This gray fox was out in the middle of the day and showed no fear of people.  He was obviously unwell and was frothing at the mouth.  He was shot and removed by Greer County law enforcement officers who stated they would take him to the local vet for examination.

Lacey Covar, M.P.H., epidemiologist at the Oklahoma Department of Health, stated that animals suspected of having rabies are sent for testing after exposing a person, usually by a bite. The cost of testing an animal at the state lab is about $500.00 and is prohibitive for most local governments for routine testing of suspected cases.  She stated that bats and skunks are the most commonly infected animals in Oklahoma, although any mammal can become infected. In the last ten years, there have been lab-confirmed cases of rabies in raccoon, foxes, bobcats, goats, deer, horses and cattle in the state, in addition to dogs and cats. There have been no laboratory confirmed cases of rabies in Greer county since 2008.  

It is important to insure that pets are protected against rabies by routine vaccinations.  Because of the potential for exposure, it is important to remember that any animal that appears to be ill or is acting in an unusual manner should not be handled.  In the case of this fox, it was out in the middle of the day (foxes are nocturnal hunters) and had no fear of humans.  Children should be reminded not to approach or handle any stray or wild animals, especially if they show signs of illness.  

There is no treatment for rabies infection, in animals or in humans, once the symptoms of illness appear.  In case of human exposure, or potential exposure when the animal can't be located and tested, the onset of rabies can be prevented by treatment with a series of 4 or 5 injections given in the arm.