August 22, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, brianne.kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov
Rabid Feral Cat Confirmed on North Main Street in Hillsville
HILLSVILLE, Va. – The Carroll County Health Department is alerting the public to a confirmed case of rabies in a feral cat found acting aggressively on August 21, 2025, in the 1200 block of North Main Street in Hillsville. The cat, described as a short-haired gray feral feline, displayed classic signs of rabies, including unprovoked aggression and lack of fear of humans. It was reported lunging at pedestrians and possibly engaging with other animals in the area. The animal has since been captured and tested positive for rabies.
The area is expected to see a dramatic increase in foot traffic during the upcoming Labor Day Flea Market (August 29 – September 1), which draws thousands of visitors each year. Given the proximity to Carroll County Middle School, the public library, and influx of visitors next weekend, this incident raises public health concerns.
This is the fifth animal to test positive for rabies in Carroll County in the past month, underscoring the importance of community awareness and preventive action.
“Understanding how rabies spreads and how to prevent it is key to protecting our community,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Health Director for the Mount Rogers Health District. “Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but it’s entirely preventable through vaccination and avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals.”
To support community prevention efforts, the Carroll Veterinary Clinic, located on Healthy Trail Lane in Hillsville, is offering $10 rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats now through August 29. Walk-in availability is open before 12:00 p.m. or after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays. Pet owners are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this low-cost opportunity to protect their animals and help reduce the spread of rabies in the community.
If you have information regarding any potential exposure to this animal through a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva in an open wound or through the eyes, nose, or mouth please contact the Carroll County Health Department at 276-730-3180. For after-hour exposure concerns, please contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department at 276-728-4146.
Rabies is usually spread through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also be transmitted if the animal’s saliva or brain tissue gets into your eyes, mouth, nose, or an open cut. Exposure can also happen if your pet has direct contact with or is seen within close proximity to a rabid animal. All mammals, including humans, can get rabies. Symptoms may appear as early as a few days or as late as several months after exposure. Signs of rabies in animals can include:
- Aggression or lack of fear of humans
- Excessive drooling or foaming of the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Staggering or paralysis
- Seizures
- Fear of water
Carroll County Health Department reminds all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:
- Do not feed or pet 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, dogs and cats 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. If you see a wild animal that appears to be ill, injured or orphaned, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at https://dwr.virginia.gov/ or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
For more information about rabies, visit the VDH Rabies webpage at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/