WILLIAMSBURG — Two people at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW) were attacked by a rabid fox on Monday, July 5, according to a release from the Hampton-Peninsula Health District.
The fox died shortly after it was captured.
Anyone who has information about physical contact with this animal, to include bites, scratches or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose and mouth, is asked to the Hampton-Peninsula Health District– Williamsburg Environmental Health Office, (757) 603-4277.
Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact James City County/Williamsburg Animal Control at 757-565-0370.
“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 1980’s,” stated the release. “Our local office of Environmental Health Services will be contacting the immediate neighbors as well as any civic or homeowner’s association that serves the community.”
Health officials also released to following rabies prevention guidelines:
- Vaccinate your pets.
- Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance – do not feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises.
