DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) issued a rabies alert for a portion of north Walton following an attack by a rabid fox on an 84-year-old woman.
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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), on April 7, FWC officers received a call about a human-wildlife conflict involving a gray fox at an address on Douglass Crossroad.
The 84-year-old victim was reportedly walking back to her home from checking her mail when a gray fox approached her and, without any provocation, attacked. The fox is said to have jumped on the woman, and she fell to the ground.
The fox reportedly scratched and bit her under her arm. The woman then made it into her house, away from the fox.
A short time later, her son and grandson came to her aid. The fox also attacked their dog. In response, the pit bull killed the fox.
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The FWC said the woman was transported to Doctors Memorial Hospital in Bonifay, treated for her injuries, and began rabies shots.
On April 11, after confirming the fox had rabies, DOH-Walton issued a rabies alert effective for 60 days.
According to DOH-Walton, rabies may currently exist in the wild animal population.
People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals, especially bats. Bats carry a higher risk of human exposure and require post-exposure treatment for rabies.
If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies, DOH-Walton said.
This rabies alert includes the following boundaries in Walton County:
- Northern boundary: Holmes County Line
- Eastern boundary: C B Whitehead Road
- Southern boundary: White Creek
- Western boundary: Days Branch
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Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property so they do not come in contact with wild or stray animals. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Walton County Animal Control at 850-892-8111.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with open garbage cans or litter. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Walton by calling 850-520-7215.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
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- Call your local animal control agency to remove stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Walton County Animal Control at 850-892-8111.
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Walton at 850-520-7215.
