Rabid Foxes in Josephine County Have Attacked People and Domestic Pets in Recent Weeks

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. — Rabid foxes in Josephine County have made eight known attacks on people and domestic animals in the last two months, according to a news release from Josephine County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).

Five Foxes Have Tested Positive for Rabies

Five foxes sent to the Oregon State Health Authority for testing have been confirmed positive for rabies.

To date, Josephine County Animal Control has responded to all eight calls, three of which were attacks on people who had to seek immediate medical attention for rabies.

Four other attacks were against domestic cats and dogs, and one was a call about a sick fox seen near a residence.

The five foxes were sent for testing by the Josephine County and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The other three foxes have not been found.

Josephine County Animal Control appeals to residents to keep vigilant and to ensure that they keep themselves and their pets well away from any wildlife perceived to be acting unnaturally.

Bats and coyotes are also susceptible to rabies and can infect other mammals.

People involved in these latest incidents reported that the foxes appeared friendly before attacking.

Daylight sightings are rare because foxes are primarily nocturnal.

Josephine County residents should contact County Animal Control or the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife with information about any animal acting strangely.

The most recent incident occurred on 5 April.