Raccoon and Fox in East Alabama Test Positive for Rabies

Health Officials Urge Pet Vaccinations

EAST ALABAMA — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is urging residents to ensure pets are current on rabies vaccinations after a raccoon in Lee County and a fox in Elmore County tested positive for the disease.

According to ADPH, the raccoon was observed acting abnormally near Auburn on May 1. The fox was later reported emerging from a wooded area in Tallassee and attacking a person. The individual involved has sought medical treatment.

Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian for ADPH, emphasized that rabies remains a year-round concern in Alabama, though activity often increases in late spring as wildlife becomes more active.

“Rabies is not seasonal, and we continue to see cases year-round, but late spring is a time when activity peaks, particularly in wildlife,” Jones said. He added that while direct human contact with wildlife is uncommon, incidents like these serve as an important reminder. “The primary risk of rabies from wildlife is our pets, and keeping them up to date on rabies vaccine is critical.”

State law in Alabama requires dogs, cats, and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older to be current on rabies vaccination. Officials note that the first rabies vaccination is valid for one year only, regardless of vaccine type. Regular vaccination reduces the risk of infection following exposure and helps protect both animals and their owners.

ADPH stresses that rabies prevention involves a combination of measures, including avoiding contact with wildlife, maintaining pet vaccinations, and promptly reporting any animal bites or exposures to a medical provider or public health officials.

Residents are also advised to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of rabies exposure:

• Do not allow pets to roam freely; keep them confined or on a leash.
• Do not leave pet food or scraps outdoors near homes.
• Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
• Avoid contact with wildlife or domestic animals behaving abnormally.
• Instruct children to avoid contact with stray or wild animals, regardless of behavior.

For additional information on rabies prevention, contact the Alabama Department of Public Health at (334) 206-5969 or visit alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies.html.