A fox found in Orange County tested positive for rabies on Monday at the State Laboratory of Public Health.

The fox was found dead in a Chapel Hill resident’s yard near Old N.C. 86 and New Hope Church Road last week. The resident could not rule out the possibility of contact between the fox and her dogs. Although the dogs were current on their rabies vaccinations, they had to receive rabies booster shots, which is required within 72 hours of suspected rabies exposure.

So far this year, Orange County Animal Services has received 16 positive rabies tests. Public health officials believe the state is on the upside of a raccoon rabies cycle. If any possible exposure to a raccoon or bat is suspected, contact Animal Control at 245-2075 or call 911.