Dead Fox Tests Positive For Rabies In Long Canyon Neighborhood

NORTH AUSTIN, TX -- Animal services officials reported Thursday a dead fox positively tested for having rabies in north Austin.

The fox was tested after being killed by a dog, one of three canines that came into contact with the animal in the Long Canyon neighborhood in Northwest Austin. Austin/Travis County Animal Services have since placed the dogs on quarantine for further observation.

No human interaction with the fox was reported, animal services officials told KXAN-TV.

But officials urge anyone who may have had contact with the animal to contact the city by dialing 311.

Foxes are among the top five animals potentially carrying rabies, along with bats, coyotes, raccoons and skunks, according to the animal services website.

To prevent rabies transmission, pet owners are urged to vaccinate their dogs and cats and to restrain them when out in public rather than allowing them to roam freely. Officials also urge avoidance with wild animals and unknown dogs and cats, never to touch sick or injured animals.

If a pet is bitten, scratched or got in a fight with an animal, pet owners are urged to dial 311 to report the incident.

For more information, visit the animal services website here.