The report of rabies in red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in south-west Iran

Rabies, as an endemic fatal zoonotic disease, is transmitted from infected animals to humans commonly through contact (scratches and bites). The present paper provides the first documented evidence of rabies in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Signs of rabies disease were found in one red fox in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The red fox had aggressive behavior and attacked humans. The animal died after a while. Soon after the death, the samples were taken from the fox’s brain (hypothalamus, cerebellum, and hippocampus). In this report, laboratory evidences of rabies were confirmed by the fluorescent antibody (FAT) and RT-PCR tests in foxes. To prevent and control this deadly disease, suspected cases of rabies in humans and animals should be monitored regularly with a sensitive monitoring system and advanced reporting. This includes the history of exposure, symptoms, clinical examinations, and laboratory results. Rabies can be controlled by vaccination and fast diagnostic tests.