A fox with signs of rabies came into a yard in Dzyarzhynsk district
In the village of Tsyaleshevichy, Dzyarzhynsk district, local residents found a fox with possible signs of rabies in their yard. A video appeared on social networks showing the animal lying in convulsions, writes the publication dzr.by.
The fox's behavior and condition aroused suspicion: severe convulsions can be one of the characteristic signs of rabies. Some users, however, suggested that severe poisoning could have been the cause.
Village residents complained that they had to wait a long time for a response from the relevant services. However, the district veterinary station reported that they had already contacted the people who had reached out to them. At the time of the check, the fox was no longer in the yard — it had left on its own.
The veterinary service plans to disinfect the place where the animal was located.
Specialists remind that rabies is a very dangerous viral disease that almost always leads to death after the onset of symptoms. Wild animals, including foxes, raccoon dogs, badgers, hedgehogs, and bats, often become carriers of the disease.
Signs of a sick animal:
- lack of usual caution towards humans;
- aggressiveness or, conversely, unnatural calmness;
- salivation, foam around the mouth;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- convulsions and paralysis.
Residents are advised not to approach suspicious wild animals, not to try to help them, and to keep children and pets away from them. In case of a bite or saliva getting on broken skin, it is necessary to immediately wash the contact area with soap and water and seek medical help.
For prevention in Dzyarzhynsk district, wild animals are vaccinated: special baits with vaccine are placed in their habitats. Veterinarians also remind of the need for annual vaccination of domestic animals against rabies.