Rabid fox warning issued after animal control officer in Galax was attacked

GALAX, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District has issued a warning in the Galax area over a fox that tested positive for rabies.

On Wednesday, a gray fox attacked an Animal Control Officer at block 900 of West Stuart Drive in Galax.

In a Facebook post, officials said the fox was in an advanced state of disease and would be contagious and active in the area for more than a week.

The fox has recently fought with other animals indicated by hair in its teeth, creating additional reservoirs of disease that can become rabid in subsequent months.

Health officials warn that rabies is deadly once symptoms appear.

If a person or one’s pets have come into contact with the gray fox, you will be asked to contact the Galax health department at 276-236-6127.