Foxes are being spotted inside the city of Kosciusko.
According to Mayor Jimmy Cockroft, over the past two weeks two foxes have been caught and two have been killed in the city limits of Kosciusko. Two of the foxes were tested with one testing negative for rabies and other diseases through the Attala County Health Department. The other one was been sent to the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Pearl and tested positive for Distemper.
“Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease common to dogs and other wild animals around the area,” according to Dr. Stephen Rea of Kosciusko Veterinary Clinic. “Clinical signs of affected animals may include respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. As the disease progresses, neurological signs become more apparent, which could lead to seizures, tremors, and possible paralysis.”
According the MS Board of Animal Health, these animals are not dangerous to humans but could be dangerous to pets that have not been vaccinated.
“With the widespread distribution of affected foxes being found within the community, it is essential to vaccinate domestic pets to prevent the spread of the virus,” Rea added. “Please make sure your pets are current on their vaccinations for distemper and rabies. As always do not approach or handle a sick wild animal, contact the local animal control.”
If a fox is spotted, people are asked to contact city hall at 662-289-1226 or the Police Department at 662-289-3131.
