Dumb fox cub tried to eat terrier...now dead (pic)

[goosemama]

I want a Jack Russell!!!!

 

[sourland]

I woulld be seriously concerned about possible exposure to rabies of both the dog and any who handled the fox.

The behavior that you describe is not normal fox behavior.

 

[effie]

Everyone is right!!!! Call animal control and have them come get it--they will send it away and check it-no cost to you--around here they even take your shovel if you used one--they want nothing left that could have the rabies germs on it.. I am out in the middle of BFE and have never heard of a fox attcking someone.....scarey stuff!!! Good dog!!!!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Definitely have it tested.

 

[N. Virginia]

Well, unfortunately it is too late to retrieve the fox carcass for testing, but thanks to your warnings I looked up rabies online (always fatal if contracted) and went to the hospital for the series of shots + got boosters for the dogs.

My neighbor, a good old country boy, had said "aw he's just hungry". Come to think of it, we once had a fox fry to get our cats but that one ran off when we yelled at it..

Thank you all so much for the warnings.

Cheers,
N. VA

 

[greymane]

I have three Jack Russells, also. Wonderful dogs. We have the gambit. One moody girl, one crazy puppy (well, Ok, he is about two now), and one of the most devoted and fearless guardians you could ask for. They are the best.

I would add my vote to the "get it tested" group. Better safe than sorry!

(Sorry, just read your update. Good move.)

 

[CariLynn]

N. VA...I too am in VA and its great you were pro active in the care of your pets and you. We have had a bad problem with rabies, when our vet came this spring to give my horses their shots, we were talking about rabies and she said we have had a problem in our state with it and to be very careful. Because our state is hot and humid, that also contributes to the disease...

Also, when you look rabies up on line, be sure you can tell the difference between vicious rabies and the "dumb" rabies.

 

[sourland]

I commend you on making a good common sense decision.

 

[RHRanch]

Quote:
Yes, its good you got the shots as a precaution.

 

[N. Virginia]

Here's an update: Got the series of rabies shots (6 the first time, then 1 in 3 day, 1 in 7 days and 1 in 14 days. Total cost: $8,000 +!!! Fortunately insurance has paid most of this. Wonder why it's so expensive. The dogs' shots were under $100 for both boosters. Maybe I should have gone to my vet for the shots!

In any event, I feel fine.

FYI, in researching how to get the foxes to leave my pasture (they have a den that is right where a horse could step), I found that there are ultrasonic scare aways...don't work well, nasty smelling liquids that one can purchase ...don't work well, or, male human urin could do the trick. Now...how do I get my husband to walk down there every day? (joke).

Cheers,
N. VA