This news item expired on Saturday, May 31, 2014 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Buncombe County Health Department officials notified Animal Services that a deceased fox involved in an animal bite incident tested positive for Rabies.
Buncombe County public safety personnel will canvass the area advising residents to be vigilant and cautious of wildlife in the area, and informing them about appropriate safeguards. Animal Services will also distribute literature about the incident and advise residents to make sure that their pets are current on their rabies vaccinations.
Yesterday, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services deputies responded to a call for service at 125 Stone Drive in Swannanoa after they received a report of a fox attacking an area resident. Deputies contacted Buncombe County School officials, and Owen Middle School was put on lockdown.
When Animal Services arrived on scene, the fox acted in an aggressive manner, running towards Animal Services deputies, and was subsequently put down. The victim of the fox attack was taken to Mission Hospital where she began the Rabies shot series.