Last Friday Chatham County Animal Control was called to a home in the New Hope Church Road vicinity. The owner of the home told officials a fox had attacked her in her yard.
The woman said the fox bit her on her Achilles tendon before her dog pulled it off of her.
Animal control officers captured the fox alive and it was euthanized at a shelter. The fox tested positive for rabies, and the woman and her dog, which had its current rabies vaccination, were treated.
Tuesday a fourth case of rabies was confirmed in Cumberland County, which is south of Chatham. Authorities say a raccoon that was found in the Hope Mills area last Friday tested positive.
Residents in the area should remain alert for sick animals, especially wildlife. Cumberland officials said they will be in the area where the raccoon was found alerting residents about the incident.
Health department officials advise residents to be aware of and to avoid contact with wildlife, particularly foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats, as well as unvaccinated outdoor cats and kittens. It also advises residents to make sure that they have current valid rabies vaccinations for all their dogs and cats.
If you or your pet comes into contact with an animal that is suspected to have rabies, call the Chatham County Public Health Department's Animal Control Division at 919-542-7203 or Cumberland County Animal Services at910-321-6852.
