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In order to protect the health of residents and visitors, the Prince William Health District (PWHD) is issuing an advisory about a fox that has been found with rabies in the 22192 area of Woodbridge.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Rabies can be prevented in cats, dogs, ferrets, and certain livestock with rabies vaccination. Rabies kills almost all mammals or humans who contract it. The rabies virus is mainly found in the saliva and brain tissue of rabid animals. It can be transmitted through a bite or by the introduction of saliva or brain tissue into a wound or into the eye or mouth.
A fox found on September 19, 2021 near the intersection of Bethel Church Drive and Smoketown Road has tested positive for rabies. Over the course of several days, there have been multiple reports of fox bites and encounters within the Minnieville Rd. And Smoketown Rd area. While a rabid fox analyzed by the Virginia Department of Health cannot be confirmed to be associated to the various events, caution must be exercised with the fauna of the area. PWHD asks anyone who may have been in contact with wildlife acting strangely in or around this area, call the health district at 703-792-5363, or the Prince William Animal Control Division at 703-792- 6500.
Press release
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