May 18, 2025
Media Contact: Kim Foster, [email protected]
Central Virginia Health District Confirms Rabies in a Fox
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Amherst County Health Department has received confirmation that a fox submitted for testing on May 14, 2025, was positive for rabies. The fox was killed when it attacked chickens near Arbor Court in Madison Heights. Rabies is a lethal disease that can occur in all mammals but can be prevented in humans and domestic animals with some simple actions.
The most important action for preventing rabies is keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught not to touch, pet, or otherwise handle unknown animals.
Additional steps to take include:
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the health department for further recommendations.
For more information about rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/