Signs Of Rabies In A Fox

Rabies is caused by a virus and infects the central nervous systems of mammals. Primarily a disease of animals, it is transmissible to humans. The occurrence of rabies in European foxes between 2002 and 2005 was 48 percent, while the occurrence in the United States for foxes during the same time was 6 percent, according to Foxwebsite.org.

Rabies most commonly spreads when an infected host bites another animal or person; however, transmission also occurs through exposure to the saliva of infected animals. Saliva contact with a cut or scratch is enough to cause infection.

Changes in Habits

During the early phase of rabies, the fox exhibits minor behavioral changes that usually last from one to three days. Even tame foxes show signs of aggressiveness, and those infected typically become active during the day--hunting and foraging during daylight hours, when they normally sleep. The animals have no fear of humans and may approach people. They begin to show signs of appetite abnormalities, eating strange things like bark and twigs. As the disease progresses, infected foxes lose their appetites.

Severe Agitation

As the disease progresses, the animal enters a state of severe agitation and aggressiveness. Often, the infected fox bites at anything, including its own body. The fox may make strange sounds due to changes in the vocal cords and may develop stomach muscle spasms. The animal may stare intently and be hypersensitive to motion and sound. Movement becomes uncoordinated. The fox may have convulsions and die before reaching the paralytic stage of the disease.

Physical Impairment

In the final, paralytic phase, the brain begins to swell, and physical impairments follow. The inability to swallow leads to the typical foaming around the mouth, and the fox may actually begin to fear water. The animal may show signs of localized paralysis such as a sagging jaw or drooping head. The animal loses its ability to control motor functions and may appear to be choking. The rear extremities may exhibit paralysis; eventually, complete paralysis occurs, followed by death.

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