August 15, 2013
(PETERSBURG, Va.) – The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a fox collected August 12, 2013 from the 3800 block of Puddledock Road in Prince George tested positive for rabies infection.
Crater Health District Director Dr. Alton Hart, Jr. said, “Any resident or visitor to the Puddledock Road area who may have been exposed or has pets that may have been exposed to this fox or any other wild animal to immediately notify public health officials or animal control.” Exposures may be reported to the Prince George County Health Department at 804-733-2630, Prince George County Police Department at 804-733-2773, or Prince George County Sheriff’s Department at 804-733-2690.
Tim Jones, Environmental Health Manager of the Crater Health District said, “This is the second positive rabies case identified in the northern portion of Prince George County over the past few weeks. Rabies is a fatal disease. It can be prevented with vaccination, but once symptoms begin, it cannot be cured.” To report any other suspicious animal please contact the Prince George County Police Department at 804-733-2773.
The Health District strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:
- Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date.
- Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
- Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
- Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
- Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.
- Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.
For more information concerning rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s Rabies Control and Prevention web site at www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/rabies, or call the Crater Health District at 804-863-1652.