Rabies concern from attack

[Ahuvah]

We had five 3.5 week old ducks in a wire roaming pen. We thought it was fox proof because we attached a floor of thick vinyl lattice paneling (last time we incubated duck eggs, a fox dug under the four foot high wooden fence and ate them all). We put a hard upturned container inside the pen that they could run into it if attacked. I didn’t realize how fast the foxes move. After watching a video post of a fox attack, I realize they wouldn’t have had time to even run the two feet to get into it. Bottom line, at 6:00 this morning (just before sunrise), something reached through the bars and managed to get a ducks head through the bars. By time we got there, it was dead. Head was mostly severed. Husband had to cut it completely to get the body out because the head wouldn’t fit back through the bars.
My questions: my dog was supposed to be sleeping nearby and would have had access to her dog door. Unfortunately, she was in the basement with my son and didn’t know anything was going on. If she had run out, my worry is that the animal may not have run away with all those tasty ducks sitting there, and the dog and predator may have fought.
My bigger worry is do I need to be concerned about rabies? We have both raccoons and foxes in suburban MD (we are a few houses from a protected wooded area filled with deer and other wildlife). There was blood all over the ground, not sure how much inside cage vs out (I’m afraid to look). I’m letting the remaining ducks sit for a few hours and then plan to give them a bath. I didn’t notice blood on anyone, but as you can tell, I’m a bit nervous about this topic.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
As you found out, nothing but hardware cloth keeps birds safe, when a critter (likely a raccoon) can reach through fencing with bigger openings.
Birds won't get rabies, but you can! Raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats are the most frequent rabies carriers out there, although any mammal can be infected.
Handling an animal with fresh saliva on it, for example, your poor duck, can mean contact with rabies virus in that predator's saliva. Always wear gloves and wash up after any such contact!!!
And contact your health care provider for advice if such contact did occur.
Mary

 

[cmom]

I agree. It will be back. I have trapped and eliminated them but usually another will replace it but if your birds are protected well enough where it can't get to them then no issue. When I catch I do eliminate. I set the traps for a few days and let the fox take the bait and then set the trap. It has worked every time. If you aren't able to eliminate it but can catch it, there are usually wildlife rescues that will come and get it. They have designated release areas. Don't catch and realease and give someone else a headache and in many places it is illegal to catch and release. Good luck...

 

[Ahuvah]

We had five 3.5 week old ducks in a wire roaming pen. We thought it was fox proof because we attached a floor of thick vinyl lattice paneling (last time we incubated duck eggs, a fox dug under the four foot high wooden fence and ate them all). We put a hard upturned container inside the pen that they could run into it if attacked. I didn’t realize how fast the foxes move. After watching a video post of a fox attack, I realize they wouldn’t have had time to even run the two feet to get into it. Bottom line, at 6:00 this morning (just before sunrise), something reached through the bars and managed to get a ducks head through the bars. By time we got there, it was dead. Head was mostly severed. Husband had to cut it completely to get the body out because the head wouldn’t fit back through the bars.
My questions: my dog was supposed to be sleeping nearby and would have had access to her dog door. Unfortunately, she was in the basement with my son and didn’t know anything was going on. If she had run out, my worry is that the animal may not have run away with all those tasty ducks sitting there, and the dog and predator may have fought.
My bigger worry is do I need to be concerned about rabies? We have both raccoons and foxes in suburban MD (we are a few houses from a protected wooded area filled with deer and other wildlife). There was blood all over the ground, not sure how much inside cage vs out (I’m afraid to look). I’m letting the remaining ducks sit for a few hours and then plan to give them a bath. I didn’t notice blood on anyone, but as you can tell, I’m a bit nervous about this topic.

 

[Ahuvah]

Well, the incubation and hatchlings were fun. They ducklings were adorable, but this is now way beyond my comfort zone. If anyone is in Montgomery County, MD who wants the last four little guys, please let me know.

 

[Regina Larsen]

We had five 3.5 week old ducks in a wire roaming pen. We thought it was fox proof because we attached a floor of thick vinyl lattice paneling (last time we incubated duck eggs, a fox dug under the four foot high wooden fence and ate them all). We put a hard upturned container inside the pen that they could run into it if attacked. I didn’t realize how fast the foxes move. After watching a video post of a fox attack, I realize they wouldn’t have had time to even run the two feet to get into it. Bottom line, at 6:00 this morning (just before sunrise), something reached through the bars and managed to get a ducks head through the bars. By time we got there, it was dead. Head was mostly severed. Husband had to cut it completely to get the body out because the head wouldn’t fit back through the bars.
My questions: my dog was supposed to be sleeping nearby and would have had access to her dog door. Unfortunately, she was in the basement with my son and didn’t know anything was going on. If she had run out, my worry is that the animal may not have run away with all those tasty ducks sitting there, and the dog and predator may have fought.
My bigger worry is do I need to be concerned about rabies? We have both raccoons and foxes in suburban MD (we are a few houses from a protected wooded area filled with deer and other wildlife). There was blood all over the ground, not sure how much inside cage vs out (I’m afraid to look). I’m letting the remaining ducks sit for a few hours and then plan to give them a bath. I didn’t notice blood on anyone, but as you can tell, I’m a bit nervous about this topic.

Regular rabies vax offers a LOT of protection. Often in the case of a tussle resulting in a wound with a rabies-endemic species (raccoons, possums, bats) the vet will give a booster as well. You could certainly request a booster if something happens.

 

[McChooky]

Rabies vacs for dogs are required under state law at least every state I've lived.This gives dogs protection to an extent they wouldn't likely die if exposed and prevents the spread of rabies(to you or your son) If the dog is acting unusual or suspicious call your vet. The effectiveness of a rabies vac depends on how long ago the dog got its last shot. If your dog can go outside unsupervised make sure its rabies shot is up to date in case it ever comes in contact with a coon or a fox after your ducks.

 

[McChooky]

Regular rabies vax offers a LOT of protection. Often in the case of a tussle resulting in a wound with a rabies-endemic species (raccoons, possums, bats) the vet will give a booster as well. You could certainly request a booster if something happens.

Possums facts https://possumfacts.com/do-possums-carry-rabies/

 

[Folly's place]

Right, opossums can get rabies, but it's rare. Not zero chances, but very low. The species most involved in the USA are bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
It's very important to keep dogs, cats, horses, and cattle up to date on their rabies vaccinations, and if there's a possible exposure, then a rabies booster is needed.
People likely to encounter rabid animals also need to keep their rabies vaccinations current, usually done by checking their rabies titer, and boostering if it gets low, or after any possible exposure.
Something like 50,000 people, mostly children, die of rabies every year, where most dogs aren't vaccinated. Awful!
Mary

 

[Regina Larsen]

Right, opossums can get rabies, but it's rare. Not zero chances, but very low. The species most involved in the USA are bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
It's very important to keep dogs, cats, horses, and cattle up to date on their rabies vaccinations, and if there's a possible exposure, then a rabies booster is needed.
People likely to encounter rabid animals also need to keep their rabies vaccinations current, usually done by checking their rabies titer, and boostering if it gets low, or after any possible exposure.
Something like 50,000 people, mostly children, die of rabies every year, where most dogs aren't vaccinated. Awful!
Mary

Im on LI NY so our rabies pop is pretty minimal. I know the possums are lower risk but since rabies is a one way street its just good to be aware. Unusual populations do exist. A famous case they teach about at cornell occurred when a park ranger moved a dead beaver. He was then killed in a car crash and family donated his corneas. The recipient got rabies. Crazy shit.
Im vaccinated bc i worked as a vet tech in upstate NY. We had 2 cats come in one with dumb rabies one with the foaming screaming cujo type. Emptied the practice of other animals to quarantine the kennel to euthanize them one the crush cages. One of the owners was bitten, had to do the full post exposure.