The Gloucester County Health Department recently reported its fifth positive rabies case of 2012.

Environmental health supervisor M.B. Sheppard Jr. said the positive rabies case occurred in the area of Food Lion/Riverside Walter Reed Hospital just north of Gloucester Court House on Dec. 10. A red fox attacked a pet dog through a yard fence in that area, Sheppard said.

The health department was advised of the incident on Dec. 11 by a Gloucester Animal Control officer who shot the fox after being charged by the animal.

The exposed dog was current on its rabies vaccination, Sheppard said, but received a booster shot and will undergo a 45-day observation period.

The earlier incidents of positive rabies in Gloucester County this year were reported at Ware Neck, Achilles, Naxera and Glass.

"All pet owners are urged to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations current," Sheppard said.

Also, he said it is important not to attract wild animals to your property by leaving food out for your pets.

For more information, call the Gloucester Health Department at 693-6130 or visit this state website: www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/rabies.asp. To report a suspected rabid animal, call Gloucester Animal Control at 693-5290.

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