Interaction with fox leads to lesson for youngsters

MANALAPAN - The Manalapan Township Health Department and Western Monmouth Animal Control reported last week that a fox kitten has tested positive for rabies. The fox was found on June 10 south of Route 33 in the southern end of Manalapan.

Results of the testing were received on June 12. As a consequence of the positive rabies results, two children and one adult have started post-exposure rabies vaccinations because they picked up and took care of the animal, according to a press release from the health department.

Health officials said it is important to note that no persons were attacked or known to be bitten by the fox kitten. The animal's behavior was described as being very lethargic and nonthreatening. The children found the animal in the woods near one of their homes, picked up the animal and brought it home. The police were contacted and animal control responded and took custody of the animal. The animal had to be euthanized and was subsequently prepared for rabies testing.

Manalapan Health Officer David Richardson told the News Transcript on June 14 that when the fox was found by the youngsters at about the same time a pool party was being organized, 16 children were around the general area. Not all of the youngsters had direct contact with the fox like those who found the animal, but several children received private medical direction to start post-rabies treatment, while other youngsters were given medical direction not to take any further action, he said.

Richardson urged everyone to avoid contact with wildlife.

"There is no reason why a human should go out of his way to come into contact with wildlife. Even the cutest, non-threatening animal [can be a problem], you never know. If contact happens through an accident, we will deal with that. We have enough to deal with through the regular interaction of people with dogs and cats, and issues such as a bat getting into someone's home," Richardson said.

The health officer said if youngsters come across an animal that they believe needs help, they should call their parents or the authorities.

The telephone number for the Manalapan Health Department is (732) 446-3845.

According to the health department, fox are indigenous to all of Monmouth County. They are generally not very evident, being primarily active at night and reluctant to encounter people. This is the time of year where the young kits are becoming more active and will soon become independent. Fox have adapted well to the suburban life of New Jersey and its proliferation of rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks, which are natural prey for fox.

Unfortunately, there is tremendous human sympathy for young, cute wildlife. However, this episode is one of the primary reasons why children and adults should never approach wildlife, according to the press release. A simple, caring act has resulted in a painful and expensive lesson for several individuals.

The health department recommends that people should try to avoid any contact with wildlife. Wildlife should be enjoyed from a reasonable distance. If contact is made with a wild animal, whether on purpose or not, it should be reported to animal control and health authorities for a proper rabies risk assessment.