May 18, 2011
(TAZEWELL, Va.) – The Tazewell County Health Department has received confirmation that a raccoon collected May 10, 2011 from the Litz Lane area of the Burke’s Garden community tested positive for rabies infection. This is the second confirmed case of animal rabies in Tazewell County this year.
According to Brian Stanley, environmental health manager of the Cumberland Plateau Health District (Virginia Department of Health), the raccoon was killed by a resident’s dog. The raccoon was submitted for rabies testing due to the potential exposure to the dog. No known human exposures are reported to this raccoon; however, the dog is currently under observation and may not have to be euthanized if no signs and symptoms of rabies develop.
The Virginia Department of Health asks any resident in this area who may have been exposed or has pets that may have been exposed to this rabid raccoon to immediately notify the Tazewell County Health Department at 276-988-5585, or the Tazewell County Animal Control Office at 276-988-4160.
Rabies is a fatal disease. It can be prevented with vaccination, but once symptoms begin, it cannot be cured. To report any other suspicious animal please contact the Tazewell County Health Department at 276- 988-5585 or the Tazewell County Animal Control Office at 276-988-4160.
The Cumberland Plateau Health District strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:
- Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date!
- Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
- Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
- Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
- Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.
- Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.
For more information concerning rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s Rabies Control and Prevention web site at www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/rabies, or call the Tazewell County Health Department at 276-988-5585.