Rabid Fox Attack in Bedford County
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. — A Bedford County woman is recovering after being attacked by a rabid fox while she was sitting on her porch.
The Virginia Department of Health confirmed that the fox tested positive for rabies on July 21, following the incident.
The attack occurred in the Thaxton area, specifically at the intersection of Pendleton Road and Quarterwood Road, where officials said the fox was killed.
VDH warned that anyone who might have had contact with a fox or any animal in the area—perhaps through bites, scratches, or saliva—should seek medical attention and contact the Bedford County Health Department at 540-586-7952.
This situation serves as a reminder that rabies exists in Virginia, affecting not just wild creatures but sometimes domestic pets as well, the VDH noted. The rabies virus targets the nervous system and can be fatal without timely medical treatment after exposure.
Typically, rabies is spread through bites; however, it can also spread through saliva getting into open wounds or contact with the mouth, eyes, or nose.
To reduce the risk of rabies for yourself and your pets, consider the following precautions:
- Make sure your pets are current on their rabies vaccinations.
- Avoid interactions with wild or stray animals.
- Do not feed stray animals, and refrain from approaching wild ones, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks. Ideally, feed pets indoors and keep them from roaming outdoors.
- Teach children to steer clear of unfamiliar pets and wild animals.
- If you encounter sick, injured, or deceased animals, do not handle them yourself; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Prevent wild animals from entering your home by covering chimneys with screens and sealing gaps in attics, basements, and porches. Use secure lids on trash cans.
- Avoid trying to trap or handle wild or stray animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have been in contact with a person, don’t release it. Reach out to local animal control or the health department for guidance on possible rabies testing.
- Report any animal bites to your local health department for follow-up.
