GRAPEVINE,
TX - On the morning of Tuesday, August 29, 2023, an ill-appearing fox
was located in northwest Grapevine near Westgate Plaza and
Churchill Loop. Upon testing, the fox was confirmed to be positive for the rabies virus.
At this time, there are no reported human or animal exposures to the rabid animal. Should
you believe yourself, a loved one or pet to be exposed at this
location, you are urged to contact Grapevine Animal Services
immediately. In addition to contacting Grapevine Animal Services, if you
believe your pet may have been exposed, please seek immediate
care from a veterinarian.
Wild animals, especially high risk vectors such as foxes,
are a reservoir of the rabies virus. You can protect yourself and
family by ensuring a veterinarian vaccinates your dog, cat or ferret for
rabies. Keep pet animal vaccinations current. Avoid allowing pet
animals to interact with wildlife. Do not feed or interact
with wildlife. Teach children how to be safe around animals, domestic
and wild. If you see an ill or injured wild animal, immediately call
Animal Services at 817.410.3370 ext. 2.
Signs
of a rabid animal in pets or wildlife can include a change in behavior,
such as a wild animal appearing "friendly" or a pet animal becoming
aggressive all of a sudden. Additionally, difficulty
walking, eating, or drinking may be apparent.
A
vaccine clinic will be held on Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 12
p.m. at Grapevine Animal Services, located at 500 Shady Brook Drive in
Grapevine. This is a first-come, first-served event
and the rabies vaccine, along with other core dog and cat vaccinations,
will be available.
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Amanda McNew
Media Manager, Grapevine Police