August 13, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, brianne.kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov
Mount Rogers Health District Alerts Hillsville Residents and Visitors of Rabid Raccoon
Public Urged to Avoid Feral Cats and Wildlife
HILLSVILLE, Va. – The Carroll County Health Department has confirmed a case of rabies involving a raccoon. The animal was found near the intersection of Carrollton Pike and Farmers Market Drive, close to restaurants and hotels at Exit 14 on Interstate 77. The raccoon was observed exhibiting unusual behavior on August 7. It was also reported to be involved in altercations with feral cats in the area. This raises concerns about potential rabies exposure among animals and humans.
With large crowds expected in the area due to several upcoming events, the Carroll County Health Department urges residents and visitors to take extra precautions.
“Rabies is 100% preventable but fatal once symptoms appear,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Health Director of Mount Rogers Health District. “We urge everyone to avoid contact with wild animals and feral cats, and to report any unusual animal behavior. Keeping pets vaccinated and staying alert is the best way to protect your family and our community.”
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 may include:
- Aggression or lack of fear of humans
- Excessive drooling or foaming of the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Staggering or paralysis
- Seizures
- Fear of water
Rabies is mostly transmitted through animal bites. It can also be transmitted by saliva or brain tissue of a rabid animal if the saliva or tissue comes in contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or open wounds. Exposures can also include direct contact or observed proximity between your pet and a rabid animal. 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, contact the Carroll County Health Department at 276-730-3180. For after-hour exposure concerns, contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department at 276-728-4146.
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
- Avoid handling sick, injured or dead animals.
- Report any wild animal that appears to be ill, injured or orphaned to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at https://dwr.virginia.gov/ or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator
- 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
For more information about rabies, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.