A third case of rabies in the Pleasant Valley Drive-Coveney Ranch area near Bergheim has county officials issuing warnings for residents to watch their children, pets and livestock.
Charity Fegenbush, Kendall County animal shelter coordinator, urged residents in the Coveney Ranch-Rusty Lane area off FM 46 near Bergheim to be wary of interaction with any wildlife, as the three rabies cases involve a raccoon and two foxes, both of which acted totally out of character and became aggressive and combative — unusual for most wild fox.
“These are not ‘neighborhood foxes’ protecting their babies or protecting their dens. Foxes normally are going to be reclusive animals and not try to approach you,” Fegenbush said.
The county wants residents to be aware and stay alert to the possibility of rabid wildlife in the vicinity.
“I encourage everyone not to interact with foxes at all, particularly in this area,” Fegenbush said.
“If you see any animal acting strange, call us immediately. Do not let children play unsupervised, don’t put your pets out unsupervised, and make sure all your animals — pets, livestock, whatever, are vaccinated.”
An initial confirmed case of rabies occurred in November on Coveney Ranch when a rabid raccoon attacked a dog.
A second case occurred on Coveney Ranch when a fox became aggressive toward a man and his dog, although both escaped injury. The man killed and disposed of the fox before county authorities had a chance to test the fox for rabies. The man confirmed he had not been bitten.
A third more recent case involved a fox entering a pygmy goat enclosure. A Rusty Lane resident said she tried to intervene when the fox became aggressive toward her before she was able to scare it off.
One of her two pygmy goats was severely injured and was put down, Fegenbush said. The other, not vaccinated for rabies, is under a six-month quarantine before it will be given a clean bill of health.
She said anyone seeing any fox acting strange — perhaps unsteady, disoriented or acting aggressive — should notify officials as soon as possible.
Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans.
It is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Though rare, the consequences of rabies can be severe if left untreated. Therefore, it is crucial for residents to be aware of the potential risk factors and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their pets.
“If anybody sees foxes acting strange — (foxes) don’t have to be foaming at the mouth, that’s not always how it presents itself,” she said. A sense of heightened aggression or nervous, skittish motion may be a sign instead.
No humans have reportedly been bitten. A human who is bitten by a rabid animal must be isolated for 45 days and receive weekly treatments.
If a domestic pet is not vaccinated and is bit, it must be isolated for 90 days. For unvaccinated livestock exposed to rabies, it’s a six-month isolation for treatment.
Kendall County Animal Control advises residents to take the following precautions:
- Vaccinate pets. Ensure that all pets, including cats and dogs, are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Avoid wildlife. Do not approach or attempt to handle wild animals, especially those exhibiting unusual behavior.
- Supervise children. Make sure children are always supervised when playing outdoors, to ensure they don't encounter strays or wildlife.
- Supervise pets. Keep pets indoors or supervise when outdoors. Avoid allowing them to roam freely.
- Secure garbage. Keep garbage cans tightly sealed to discourage wildlife from scavenging.
The county facility is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and can be reached by calling 830-537-3430. She said the after-hours/emergency number is 830-249-8645.
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