Fox Tests Positive For Rabies

A fox that attacked a pet dog in the vicinity of West Lincoln Ave in Oakhurst on June 7 has tested positive for rabies, according to a statement from the Ocean Township Police Department.

Rabies is fatal once symptoms develop.

The Monmouth County Regional Health Commission is asking all residents to take the following precautions to prevent rabies:

• Vaccinate your pets against rabies, and make sure that that they receive their rabies booster(s)
on time;

• Do not leave pet food outdoors, as it will attract wildlife and they will become adapted to residential environments;

• Keep your pets inside at night, when fox and other wildlife (such as raccoon’s, skunks, bats and coyotes) are more active;

• Keep dogs within your sight in a fenced yard during the day while outside, or walk on a leash;

• Keep all trash and garbage in tightly closed containers;

• If you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal, contact your veterinarian promptly;

• If you or a family member is bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal, contact your physician right away. Post-exposure vaccination is 100% effective in preventing rabies when administered in a timely manner.

How to recognize potentially rabid wildlife:

• Both red and gray fox normally hunt during twilight, evening or nighttime. They may be seen outside during the day (especially if foraging for food for their pups), which is cause for alarm only if they appear sick or diseased, are acting abnormally, or are unafraid of humans;

• The presence of rabies in all wildlife may be indicated by unprovoked aggression, impaired movement, paralysis, lack of coordination, unusually friendly behavior, and/or disorientation.

• Contact the police department immediately if you recognize these signs.