February 3, 2023
Media Contact: Julie Thacker, Julie.Thacker@vdh.virginia.gov
Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Petersburg City
PETERSBURG, Va.- On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, a 3-year-old grey, male domestic cat tested positive for rabies. The cat is an outdoor domestic cat that is fed by the owner and interacts with other cats. The cat resided in the Ramblewood neighborhood near Kings Road, south of the Dogwood Trace Golf Course in Petersburg, VA 23805. The Petersburg Health Department and Petersburg 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 Kings Road and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected cat. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, “said 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 Petersburg Animal Control at 804-732-3654. If you have concerns about exposure to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For more information on protecting your family from rabies, call 804-863-1652 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/rabies-control/ or www.cdc.gov/rabies/.
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