Rabid Fox Found at Phantom Ranch Area of Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, AZ - Grand Canyon National Park, the Arizona Department of Health Services, and the Coconino County Health Department are attempting to determine whether anyone had contact with a rabid fox while visiting the Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park. On Friday, November 7, 2003, the fox was killed when it tried to attack a Park Ranger. The fox was submitted to the Arizona State Health Laboratory, where it tested positive for rabies.

Anyone who had any contact with a fox in the Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park between October 24, 2003 and November 7, 2003 should contact one of the following offices:

Coconino County Health Department (928) 226-2741
Arizona Department of Health Services (602) 364-4562
Grand Canyon National Park (928) 638-7858

People and pets can be exposed to rabies when they attempt to assist, feed or handle wild animals. If a wild animal is seen that is sick or acting strangely, it should immediately be reported to park staff. Examples of unusual behavior include: wild animals that show no fear of people and pets; nocturnal animals that are active in daylight; and bats found on the ground, in swimming pools, or that have been caught by a pet.

The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends the following precautions:

Keep people and pets away from wild animals. Do not pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, especially sick or wounded ones. If someone has been bitten or scratched, or has had contact with the animal, report it immediately to animal control or health officials.
Do not "rescue" seemingly abandoned young wild animals. Usually, the mother will return. If the mother is dead or has not returned many hours later, call the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies. Pets should be kept in a fenced yard.
Take precautions when camping, hunting or fishing. Avoid sleeping on the open ground without the protection of a closed tent ort camper. Keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to wander.
Do not disturb roosting bats. If a bat is found on the ground, do not touch it. Report the bat and its location to the local animal control officer or health department. Place a box over the bat to contain it. Be careful not to damage the bat in any way since it must be intact for rabies testing.

For more information about rabies, call the local health department or the ADHS Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Section at (602) 230-5820.