Moore County officials are urging residents in and around the Town of Vass to take precautions after a suspected rabid fox was located in the area Friday morning.
“This morning, a rabid fox was located in the Town of Vass,” reports the Vass Police Department on its Facebook page. “Moore County Animal Control has advised residents to closely monitor pets and livestock for any signs of illness or unusual behavior (10-14 days).”
The fox was found near South Street, where it was trapped and taken away.
Rabies is a serious disease that can be transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals.Â
The following precautions are recommended:Â
• Ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations
• Do not approach or handle wild animals, even if they appear injured or tame
• Keep pets leashed or contained, especially during early morning and evening hours
• Report any animals acting aggressively, disoriented, or unusually unafraid of people
Instances of foxes with rabies are reported often in the Sandhills region, and several bites were documented last year. Normal, healthy foxes tend to be most active at dawn and dusk. If one is spotted in the middle of the day, it’s not always cause for alarm, but rabies may cause unusual boldness, aggression, or other strange symptoms such as stumbling and circling.
If you believe your pet has been exposed or you observe a wild animal behaving strangely, contact Moore County Animal Control immediately at 910-947-2858. As always, if there is an immediate safety concern, contact 911.
No other details were released.
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Feature photo via Town of Vass Police Department.
