AR-News: (US AZ) Carcasses of 2 foxes test positive for rabies

[Animalara2003 at aol.com]

By Mitch Tobin 
ARIZONA DAILY STAR 

The rabies virus has been detected in the carcasses of two gray foxes found 
dead in Sabino Canyon this week. 

"We have had at least two incidents of foxes attacking people in the canyon 
within the past few weeks," said Josh Taiz, biologist for the Santa Catalina 
Ranger District. "This type of aggressive behavior usually precedes death in 
these normally shy animals." 

One attack occurred on the canyon road, the other near the Seven Falls 
trailhead in Bear Canyon. In both cases, the foxes got ahold of pant legs, but in 
neither instance did the bites break the victims' skin and expose them to the 
rabid animals' saliva. 

"When you're hiking out in the wild with this rabies outbreak, it wouldn't 
hurt to wear long pants. . . and maybe more substantial footwear," Taiz said. 

It's also possible for humans to contract rabies if infectious saliva comes 
into direct contact with their eyes, nose, mouth or a wound. 

Coronado National Forest officials are warning visitors not to touch animals 
that might be rabid, or touch carcasses. If attacked, fend off the animal with 
whatever is available. 




full story:

http://www.dailystar.com/dailystar/dailystar/6906.php



"The world is a dangerous place,
not because of those who do evil,
but because of those who look on and do nothing.",
Albert Einstein

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