Polk County Sheriff’s Office Division of Animal Control has notified Polk County Health and Human Services Agency that, on March 30, staff members retrieved the remains of a deceased fox in the vicinity of Little Mountain Road near Tryon.

The fox was presumed to have attacked a dog in the same vicinity on March 26. Polk County Animal Control sent the remains of the fox to the North Carolina State Lab and the remains tested positive for rabies.

“Rabies can lead to severe health outcomes for both humans and animals. We appreciate Polk County Animal Control’s and community members’ efforts in locating and reporting the remains,” said Joshua Kennedy, Polk County Health and Human Services Agency Director

The CDC lists symptoms of rabies in animals as early symptoms of lethargy, fever, vomiting, and anorexia and progressing to nerve and brain dysfunction, cranial nerve dysfunction, ataxia, weakness, paralysis, seizures, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, abnormal behavior, aggression, and/or self-mutilation.

“Rabies in animals is preventable through routine vaccination efforts. In addition to your local veterinarian, the Polk County Animal Control hosts routine vaccination clinics for the public and their pets and we encourage pet owners to take advantage of the opportunity.” said Patti Lovelace, Polk Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officer

Polk County Animal Control will be hosting a rabies clinic on April 23 at Green Creek Fire Department from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. People can go to Foothills Humane Society to get a rabies vaccine at a reduced cost by appointment only. Please call 828-863-4444 for an appointment.

You can prevent the spread of rabies and keep your pets safe by following these guidelines:

• Let Public Health, the hospital or your doctor know if you have been scratched or bitten by or have handled an animal that could be rabid.
• Do not approach or touch a wild animal or an animal that could be rabid.
• Ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.  If your pet is suspected of contact with a rabid animal, do not handle/clean the bite with bare hands, call your veterinarian, and revaccinate even if up to date
• Keep pets away from stray or wild animals

Anyone observing a wild animal or pet displaying symptoms of rabies should call Polk County Animal Control at 828-894-3001