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Gila County issues alert after rabid fox captured near Rye

By David Sowders
Posted 10/30/24

In a press release last week, Gila County announced that a rabies alert had been issued after a wild grey fox captured near Rye tested positive for the disease.

The fox was captured on Forest …

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Gila County issues alert after rabid fox captured near Rye

Posted

In a press release last week, Gila County announced that a rabies alert had been issued after a wild grey fox captured near Rye tested positive for the disease.

The fox was captured on Forest Service Road 379, obtained by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and brought to Gila County Animal Care & Control.

Anyone who encounters wild animals that are behaving abnormally – unafraid of people, displaying aggressive behavior, seeming unusually friendly, active in daytime when they are normally active at night – should immediately call Gila County Animal Care & Control at 928-425-5882.

Other safety precautions include always keeping pets leashed and making sure they are up to date on rabies vaccinations and are wearing current license tags; observing wildlife from a distance – never approach or try to feed wild animals; and reporting animal bites immediately.

If you are bitten by an animal or exposed to its saliva, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and contact your healthcare provider and Gila County Animal Care & Control without delay.