Lincoln Animal Control has reported that a fox has tested positive for rabies. It’s the first case of confirmed rabies in a fox in Lincoln. The fox came in contact with a person’s dog and was injured. Animal Control was later called and picked up the injured fox that was also showing signs of illness.
“There are many foxes and other types of wildlife in our area, which make interactions with them more common,” says Animal Control Manager Denise Bollwitt. “This situation serves as a reminder to ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies. Rabies vaccine is the best protection for pets that encounter wildlife that may have the disease.”
Rabies is caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal or if saliva from an animal with rabies gets directly into an open wound or a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Rabies is preventable in pets through vaccination. Rabies in people is also preventable if treatment is started right away.
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