Last Updated: January 22, 2025
For More Information Contact
- Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Toinette.Waldon@vdh.virginia.gov
- Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov
(Surry, Va.)- A small red fox tested positive for rabies in Surry County. The animal was found near Otterdam Road on Friday, May 15, 2020. The Surry Health Department and Surry Animal Control continue to encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations, especially rabies, are current.
“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Otterdam Road and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected fox. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies,” emphasizes Crater District Health Departments Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH.
“Rabies is a preventable disease. We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community,” shares Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District.
The Health Department 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.
To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, please contact Surry Animal Control at 757-294-0158 or for emergencies call 757-294-5264. For more information on protecting your family from rabies call 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District online at www.craterhd.net