Rabid Fox Attacks Two Horses on Putah Creek Road South of Winters

The Solano County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Bureau is giving public notice that on Sunday, Nov. 14, a rabid California Gray Fox attacked two horses on Putah Creek Road in Solano County, south of the city of Winters.

According to their press release, the Gray Fox tested positive for rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The virus is usually passed to humans via the bite of a rabid animal. Occasionally, rabies can be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal gets into a fresh scratch, break in the skin, or contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose).

In California, most cases of rabies occur in skunks and bats. Domestic animals account for three percent of animal rabies, and the rest occurs in a variety of wild animals, including foxes. In general, pets have a higher risk than humans of coming into contact with wild animals that may have rabies. This is the first reported rabies case in Solano County this year. Solano County has not had a reported rabid California Gray Fox in 20 years. In 2012, Solano County had six reported rabies cases and they were all bats.

The California Department of Health maintains statewide statistics concerning reported rabies cases here.

The Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Bureau is taking proactive measures by working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to evaluate the animal population in the area for rabies. The Sheriff’s Office has also notified the Department of Fish and Game, Solano County Health Department, and the Solano County Agriculture Department. 

Be cautious while hiking, camping, and playing outdoors: During the summer, many Americans love to spend time outdoors. Few people will ever be exposed to a rabies-suspect animal or need to see a doctor due to a potential exposure.

Teach children and others never to handle live or dead wild animals, or unfamiliar domestic animals. Tell them to report any unusual animal behavior to an adult right away, because it could mean that the animal is very sick. 

Reporting:  If approached by any wild animal, do not engage it. Please report all animals that appear sick, aggressive, or display unusual behavior immediately to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 421-7090 (24 hour number).     

Authorities warn take action if you are bitten: If you are bitten by any animal (domestic or wild), immediately wash the wound well with soap and water and see a healthcare provider. Contact Animal Control at the above telephone number if you are bitten by an animal to assist in capturing the animal for observation or rabies testing. 

To help reduce this risk:  

• Visit your veterinarian with your pet on a regular basis and keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all cats and dogs.  
• Maintain control of your pets by keeping cats indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision when outdoors.  
• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted animals that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly.  
• Do not feed or water your pets outside and keep your garbage securely covered. These items may attract wild or stray animals.