A fox found on Broadway Avenue in the town of Avon in Houston County tested positive for rabies, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

The fox was found in the last week when a homeowner was alerted to the animal in his yard by his barking dog. The fox was taken to the state Bureau of Clinical Laboratories where rabies was confirmed. The homeowner and his dogs have received “appropriate medical attention,” ADPH said.

This is the second case of lab-confirmed rabies in Houston County this year. The first case was in February when a raccoon found dead in the town of Pansey tested positive for rabies.

The discoveries stresses the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies.

“This should be a stern reminder that all pets should be properly vaccinated against rabies, given the circumstances of two rabid animals now in the same general area,” Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, said in a press release. “It is not unusual to see clusters of rabies cases in wild animals and strays during this time of year.”

Alabama law requires dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older have current rabies vaccinations. Rabies vaccines are also available for horses and other livestock as recommended by a veterinarian.

To help prevent rabies, ADPH recommends:

• Do not allow pets to run loose, confine within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
• Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
• Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
• Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.