Contributed Article
PAYSON – On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Arizona Game and Fish Department received a report of a possibly rabid fox in the Morris Meadows area of Payson.
Upon arrival, the responding officer located the fox, which was exhibiting abnormal behavior.
The animal was humanely euthanized, and Gila County Animal Care & Control was contacted.
An Arizona State submission form was completed, and the specimen was sent to the Arizona State Laboratory for testing.
The state lab later notified Gila County Animal Care & Control that the fox tested positive for rabies.
Residents in the Morris Meadows area who may have had contact with this fox are urged to contact Gila County Animal Care & Control immediately at 928-402-8875.
This incident serves as an essential reminder to the community:
• Avoid approaching or handling wild animals that appear unusually friendly, disoriented, or aggressive.
• Report any wildlife exhibiting strange or abnormal behavior to your local animal control office.
Ensure your pets are current on their rabies vaccinations.
Keeping your pets vaccinated is crucial—if a pet comes into contact with a rabid animal:
• Unvaccinated pets are required to undergo a 120-day (4-month) quarantine.
• Properly vaccinated pets require only a 45-day observation period.
For more information on rabies prevention or how to schedule a rabies vaccination for your pets, please contact Gila County Animal Care & Control at 928-402-8875.
