May 2, 2025
Media Contact: Madison Shepard, madison.horacek@vdh.virginia.gov
Central Virginia Health District Confirms Rabies in a Skunk
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Appomattox County Health Department has received confirmation that a skunk submitted for testing on April 30, 2025, was positive for rabies. The skunk was found in the Gladstone area of Appomattox County. Due to the rural location where the skunk was found, the public was not at risk of contracting the disease from the rabid animal. However, the Central Virginia Health District wants to remind the public to remain vigilant since rabies is present in the area. Including the skunk, additional rabid animals have been identified in the City of Lynchburg, as well as in Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties. Last year, the district had a total of 31 cases of rabies in animals, with at least one rabid animal in each of the five localities.
Rabies can infect all mammals and is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal contacting an open wound, the mouth, eyes or nose. It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught not to touch, pet, or otherwise handle unknown animals.
The most important step the public can take to prevent rabies in people and pets is to keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. 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.
Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife. A list of permitted wildlife rehabilitators can be found at the Department of Wildlife Resources website (https://dwr.virginia.gov) or by calling the nearest Wildlife Resources office.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.
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 about rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/