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Hikers and campers on the Arizona National Scenic Trail near Kearny in the East of Pinal County will see Public Notices posted on the trail, bringing awareness to a recent incident that Maricopa County Public Health officials deemed a suspected rabies case.
Pinal County Public Health Officials were informed of the incident late last week in which a Maricopa County resident hiking the Arizona National Scenic Trail came in contact with a wild animal (fox). The incident location was approximately six miles south of the Florence/Kelvin Highway west of Kearny.
According to Maricopa County health officials, the animal was not captured or tested. However, the hiker reported that the animal displayed aggressive and unusual behavior. As a precaution, the hiker sought medical treatment.
Despite being unconfirmed, out of an abundance of caution, County staff are posting notices suggesting:
- Hikers with pets should ensure they are on a leash and have been vaccinated against rabies
- Hikers or campers should not approach or attempt to handle any wild animals
- In the event of an animal bite, the impacted area should be washed with soap and water, and medical care should be sought
- Any aggressive or unusual wild animal behavior should be reported to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (800) 352-0700
If you need to get your pet vaccinated against rabies, contact Pinal County Animal Care and Control at (520) 509-3555 or visit www.pinalcountyaz.gov/AnimalControl.
For more information on rabies, go to www.cdc.gov/rabies.
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