May 30, 2025
Media Contact: Wesley Marshall, wesley.marshall@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Reminds Community of Rabies Exposure Risks and Precautions

DANVILLE, Va. – This time of the year wildlife tends to be more active and are more likely to have interactions with domestic animals of all sizes. The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District wants to remind the public of the risks of rabies to both animals and humans. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal.  Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva if a rabid animal comes into contact with an open wound, the mouth, eyes or nose.

Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current. While rabies vaccines are optional for livestock and other larger animals such as horses, it is important to remember the best strategy for prevention is vaccination.

To protect against possible rabies exposure, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• If your pet and/or livestock has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, check for injuries and contact your local animal control office.
• Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
• Do not approach wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, or skunks. If you think a wild animal needs help, call the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (https://dwr.virginia.gov) or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
• If a domestic animal appears ill, injured or need help, contact your local animal control office for guidance.
• Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date. State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies.
• Confine your pets and livestock to your property.
• Securely seal garbage containers with lids to deter wild animals.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the health department for further recommendations.

For more information on rabies, contact the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District at (434) 433-3545 or via email at environmentalhealthpdhd@vdh.virginia.gov.  You may also visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/rabies/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.