September 22, 2025
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov
Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips
World Rabies Day is September 28
WARRENTON, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.
Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia. In The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District we did not have reported Rabies cases this year and the years before.
“Our community’s best defense against rabies is prevention,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director James B. Carr, M.D. “Make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies shots and teach children to avoid unfamiliar animals; these simple steps save lives.”
Virginia law requires all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.
To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:
- Do not feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities at: 78 W. Lee St., Warrenton. EMERGENCIES DIAL 9-1-1. After hours responses will be for emergencies only. Non-Emergency (540) 347-3300.
- Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are another option.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
- Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Keep wild animals out of your home by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
- Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.
Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District for further recommendations.
If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact animal control at 78 W. Lee St., Warrenton. EMERGENCIES DIAL 9-1-1. After hours responses will be for emergencies only. Non-Emergency (540) 347-3300; or www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock-rapidan/office-locations/.
For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.
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