Rabid fox attacks woman, dog in Tifton neighborhood

TIFTON, Ga. – According to our news partners with the Tifton Grapevine Newsletter, the South Health District of the Georgia Department of Public Health is working with Tift County Animal Control regarding a rabid fox attack on a pregnant woman and her chihuahua Thursday on Murray Avenue in Tifton.

The fox was caught and exterminated the day of the incident and was sent for lab testing immediately, where a rabies diagnosis was confirmed, said Kristin Patten, public information officer/risk communicator with the South Health District.

Eric Wisham with Wisham Jellies in Tifton said the fox attacked his wife, Katie, and their dog at 6 a.m. Thursday outside their home between 12th and 14th streets. Wisham said Katie let their dog Piper out about 6 a.m., and then heard her yelping. Katie went outside to see the dog being attacked, running in circles from a fox.

Source: Tifton Grapevine Newsletter

“Katie picked Piper up and then fell,” Wisham said. The fox then began attacking her legs, scratching and biting. “She kicked the fox a few times and started screaming.”

Wisham heard his wife screaming his name, ran outside, and saw the fox running away. He took his wife to Tift Regional’s Emergency Department, and his mother-in-law took Piper to the veterinarian.

Katie spent five hours in the ER, receiving nine shots – one vaccine, and one in each of eight wounds on both legs. She was bitten once and scratched several times.

“It was pretty bad, pretty serious,” Wisham said.

Unfortunately, because of the dog’s injuries and her age, 17, she had to be euthanized.

“We’re trying to take it day by day,” Wisham said. Katie is about 5½ months pregnant with a due date of Jan. 25, so the couple is concerned. “Nothing is guaranteed, and they have to pump a lot of this medication into her,” Wisham said.

In all, she will have 12 shots to prevent the disease. Katie is a third-grade teacher at Matt Wilson Elementary School.

Wisham mentioned that foxes are pretty skittish and run when they see humans, and this one wasn’t backing down. “I’ve seen possums, but never foxes” in the neighborhood, Wisham said.

If a person comes into contact with an animal that is believed to be rabid, the individual should seek medical treatment for post-exposure as quickly as possible, said the South Health District.

“After a person seeks medical care, it is very important that they report the bite to Tift County Animal Control or Tift County Health Department,” said Tamika Pridgon, environmental health specialist. “We take reports of possible rabies exposure extremely seriously and want to ensure we can take the proper steps to protect the public’s health.”

It is also important to immediately contact animal control when animals are acting strangely and exhibiting signs of rabies. Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis. Warmer weather increases the possibility of coming across wild animals – many of which can carry rabies – so residents are encouraged to be especially vigilant during warmer months.

Several species of wild animals that are native to South Georgia – including raccoons, foxes, and bats – can carry rabies. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals.

The Tift County Environmental Health office offers the following tips to protect individuals from rabies:

• Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
• Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines by four months of age, followed by a booster shot one year later, and another one every year as prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.

If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Tift County Animal Control at 229-382-7387 and the Tift County Environmental Health office at 229-386-7967.

By: BONNIE SAYLES, Tifton Grapevine

Copyright 2023 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.