Animal Control Reports Case of Rabies in Fox

Residents asked to ensure pets are current on rabies vaccine

Lincoln Animal Control today reported that a fox has tested positive for rabies. It is the first case of confirmed rabies in a fox in Lincoln. The fox came in contact with a person's dog and was injured. Animal Control was later called and picked up the injured fox that was also showing signs of illness.

"There are many foxes and other types of wildlife in our area, which make interactions with them more common. This situation serves as a reminder to ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies," said Denise Bollwitt, Animal Control Manager. "Rabies vaccine is the best protection for pets that encounter wildlife that may have the disease."

Rabies is caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal or if saliva from an animal with rabies gets directly into an open wound or a person's eyes, nose, or mouth. Rabies is preventable in pets through vaccination. Rabies in people is also preventable if treatment is started right away.

Help prevent rabies by taking the following actions:

• Rabies vaccination is required by city ordinance. In the City of Lincoln, dogs and cats over 3 months old must be vaccinated against rabies.

• Seek immediate veterinary assistance if your pet is bitten by a wild animal or exposed to a bat.

• Call Lincoln Animal Control at 402-441-7900 about removing stray, injured or sick animals in your neighborhood.

• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick, wild animals to health. Call Animal Control for assistance.

• Never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• If you think you've been exposed to an animal with rabies, contact your health care provider or the health department's communicable disease program at 402-441-8053.

Most people can live in close proximity to foxes without conflict. Animal Control offers these tips if you have foxes in your neighborhood:

• Do not feed foxes under any circumstances. Feeding invites foxes into your space. The majority of cases where foxes come close to people is because people are feeding them.

• Keep sources of food away from any wildlife, such as garage, pet food, bird feeders, squirrel feeders (corn), brush piles, compost piles, and easy access to water. Brush piles harbor rodents and rabbits while bird feeders attract squirrels and rodents which are all food sources for foxes. Keep all pets indoors at night, especially smaller dogs and cats.

• Foxes will follow you to try and push you away from their young. If this happens, stay calm. Try blowing a whistle or sounding off an air horn or raise your hands and yell. Continue making noise until the fox moves on.

Rabies cases in Lancaster County:

2024 - 3 cases to date (2 bats, 1 fox)

2023 - 7 cases (all bats)

2022 - 4 cases (all bats)

2021 - 11 cases (all bats)

2020 - 4 cases (all bats)

City ordinances related to rabies vaccination can be found atlincoln.ne.gov/AnimalControl. Click on "animal ordinances." For general information about rabies, go tocdc.gov/rabies.