JAMES CITY COUNTY — The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Wednesday alerted residents that a fox that attacked a cat and was spotted in the area of Canvas Back Run and the Warhill Sports Complex on Aug. 26 has tested positive for the rabies virus.
The fox is deceased. The Williamsburg Environmental Health Office staff will be contacting immediate neighbors, as well as any civic or homeowner’s associations that serve the affected communities.
Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease that is carried by mammals and has been in the wild animal population on the Peninsula since the mid-1980s, according to the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts.
Anyone who may have been exposed to any fox, or has information regarding someone who may have been exposed, is asked to contact the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts’ Williamsburg Environmental Health Office at 757-603-4277. After hours, contact James City County/Williamsburg Animal Control at 757-565-0370.
Exposure is considered a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by an open wound or the eyes, nose, or mouth, as well as direct contact between a pet and the rabid animal.
The District reminds residents to follow rabies prevention guidelines, including:
- Vaccinating pets.
- Reporting all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance and do not feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, or foxes to visit your premises.
