Rabid fox attacks stray cats in Frankford

The Delaware Division of Public Health is warning Frankford residents after a rabid fox attacked stray cats in the area. Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten or scratched by, or encountered a fox or feral cat in this area should immediately contact their healthcare provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks a fox may have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian to have their pet examined and treated, and the exposure reported to the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

• All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of rabies exposure by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. Pet vaccination is especially important for owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors.
• Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
• Do not keep your pet's food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
• Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and thus reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
• Keep your garbage securely covered.
• Consider vaccinating livestock and horses as well. Consult your private veterinarian regarding whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies. 

Since Jan. 1, DPH has performed rabies tests on 53 animals, three of which were confirmed to be rabid, one raccoon and two foxes, including this positive animal. DPH only announces rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets. In 2021, DPH performed rabies tests on 193 animals, 19 of which were confirmed to be rabid.

The rabies test results came back positive March 31 for a fox that frequented the Burbage Road and Route 374 area of Frankford, public health officials said. The fox did not have any known contact with humans, but officials said there were reports of the fox attacking stray cats. If the attacked cats develop rabies, they will become a public health threat, especially to anyone who feeds them. 

Anyone who encounters a wild animal behaving aggressively should contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. To avoid startling the animal, which may cause it to attack, the best response is to back away slowly with arms raised to make oneself look bigger and discourage the animal’s approach. If the animal does pursue, try yelling or throwing objects at it, or any other means of protecting oneself.

Anyone who encounters a stray or feral domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, behaving aggressively should contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646. To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents should contact DNREC's Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is appropriate to refer callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitation agency.