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Fox found in Grapevine tests positive for rabies

A fox found Tuesday morning in northwest Grapevine tested positive for rabies.

Grapevine police said in a news release that “an ill-appearing fox” was found in the city near Westgate Plaza and Churchill Loop, close to State Highway 114. Tests revealed the fox had contracted the viral disease.

According to police, there are no reported human or animal exposures to the rabid animal. Anyone who believes either they, a family member or a pet was exposed is asked to contact Grapevine Animal Services, 500 Shady Brook Drive, 817-410-3370. Anyone who believes their pet was exposed is also urged to seek care from a veterinarian.

Rabies is most often spread through the bite of an animal, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. It infects the central nervous system of mammals, causing a disease in the brain and, eventually, death.

Infections in humans are rare, with one to three cases reported annually. More than 90% of reported rabies cases occur in wildlife.

Foxes are among the animals that most commonly carry the disease in the U.S, the CDC said, along with skunks, bats and raccoons.

Pets also can contract rabies. Grapevine police urged residents in the release to keep pet animal vaccinations up to date and to avoid allowing pets to interact with wildlife.

According to the CDC, it’s difficult to tell if animal has rabies just by looking at it. Some may act aggressively or drool more than normal, but lab testing is the only way to be completely certain.

For residents looking to vaccinate their pets, a vaccine clinic will be 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 28 at Grapevine Animal Services.

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