August 31, 2022
Media Contact: Irene Ferrainolo, Public Information Contact: 757-594-8933 or 757-315-3766
Fox Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus
The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts would like to notify our guests and residents that, on August 26, 2022, a fox attacked a cat and residents reported several sightings in James City County, specifically in the area of Canvas Back Run and the Warhill Sports Complex. The fox is deceased. Rabies testing on the animal has confirmed that the fox was positive for the rabies virus.
Anyone having information regarding an exposure to any fox (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) is asked to contact the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts’ Williamsburg Environmental Health Office, 757-603-4277. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.
After hours, please contact local Animal Control, James City County/Williamsburg Animal Control: 757-565-0370.
Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease that is carried by mammals and has been in the wild animal population on the Peninsula since the mid 1980’s. Our Williamsburg Environmental Health Office staff will be contacting the immediate neighbors, as well as any civic or homeowner’s association(s) that serve the communities listed above.
The District would like to remind all citizens to follow these three important rabies prevention guidelines:
- Vaccinate your pets.
- Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance – do not feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises.