Two people attacked by a fox in Grovetown; the fox tested positive for rabies

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Georgia (WJBF) – According to Columbia County Animal Services, two people were attacked by a fox.

According to authorities, the incident occurred on Monday, July 1, near Cheryl Ann Drive and Gordon Highway in Grovetown.

According to Columbia County Animal Services, the fox was killed by a property owner and collected by Columbia County Animal Services. It was then sent by the Columbia County Health Department to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory in Waycross for rabies testing. Test results confirmed that the fox was rabid.

Authorities say victims will receive rabies treatment after exposure.

Authorities with Columbia County Animal Services say this incident occurred after a raccoon encountered domestic dogs near Old Anderson Road in Martinez on June 29.

According to Animal Services, the raccoon was sent to GPHL for a rabies test and the results confirmed that the raccoon had rabies. However, authorities say the dogs’ rabies vaccinations were up to date.

The Columbia County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division recommends the following:

• Make sure your dogs and cats are currently vaccinated against rabies
• Do not let your pets roam freely. They are at a higher risk of coming into contact with rabid wild animals.
• Avoid feeding your animals outside. This will attract stray and wild animals to your doorstep.
• Teach your children not to approach wild and unknown animals

The Columbia County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division asks all residents to vaccinate their pets against rabies, avoid all contact with wildlife, and report any human or pet contact with wildlife to the Columbia County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division office at 706-868-3330 or Columbia County Animal Services at 706-541-4077.