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Rabies confirmed in Citrus Park fox bite

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By NEIL JOHNSON

njohnson@tampatrib.com

Published: April 21, 2009

TAMPA - A fox that bit a woman Thursday morning in the Citrus Park area has tested positive for rabies, said Hillsborough County Animal Services spokeswoman Marti Ryan.

The woman was bit about 8 a.m., and Hillsborough County Animal Services workers captured the fox a few hours later, Ryan said.

The Hillsborough County Health Department conducted the rabies test, which involves examining brain material.

Animal services will let people who live within 500 feet of the incident know. The victim has been notified and will undergo treatment.

"We take this very seriously," she said.

Anyone who is bitten by a stray or wild animal should begin rabies treatment as soon as possible.

"It's important not to waste any time," Ryan said.

Foxes, raccoons and other wild animals can carry rabies, but feral cats also are common carriers of the virus. Vaccinating pets ensures they will not get the virus and protects owners.

Most people envision a rabid animal as having aggressive behavior and foaming at the mouth. More common visible signs, however, are erratic behavior or an unsteady gait.

This is the third known positive rabies test in Hillsborough County this year.

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