Richmond City Health District Reports Rabies in Raccoon

August 21, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond City Health District Reports Rabies in Raccoon

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond City Health District (RCHD) is notifying community members residing on or near the 3100 block of Shoreham Drive of a raccoon that has tested positive for rabies.

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) was notified Wednesday, August 12th that a raccoon was acting abnormally near the 3100 block of Shoreham Drive. The raccoon was collected by RACC and submitted for testing. Results were positive for rabies. There are NO confirmed exposures to humans or animals at this time.

Anyone who has information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, or mouth) should contact the Richmond City Health District Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care & Control at 804-646-5573.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

  • Do not feed stray animals.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies, and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
    Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
  • 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.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control web page.

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