August 8, 2025
Media Contact: Sharon Ortiz-Garcia, Sharon.ortiz-garcia@vdh.virginia.gov
Fox Tests Positive for Rabies Virus in West Piedmont Health District
ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – A fox found on August 5 in the 18600 block of Virgil H. Goode Hwy in Rocky Mount has tested positive for the rabies virus. Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Franklin County Health Department at (540) 484-0292. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. You may also contact Franklin County Animal Control at (540) 483-3000.
This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia wildlife such as bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks which sometimes infects domestic animals like dogs and cats. Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.
The West Piedmont Health District would like to remind all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:
- If your pet and/or livestock has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, check for injuries and contact your local animal control office.
- Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
- Do not approach wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, or skunks. If you think a wild animal needs help, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at (804) 367-1000 or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
- Bring stray domestic animals, especially if they appear ill or injured, to the attention of local animal control authorities. If you think a stray animal needs help, contact your local animal control office for guidance.
- Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date. State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies.
- Confine your pets and livestock to your property.
- Securely seal garbage containers with lids.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the health department for further recommendations.
For more information about rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/
August 6, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsuker, Daniel.Hunsuker@vdh.viirginia.gov
Cumberland Plateau Health District Reports Rabies Confirmed in Bat
Residents should report any possible human or animal contact
with any suspected rabid animal
BISHOP, Va. – The Tazewell County Health Department reports a bat from the Bishop area in Tazewell County tested positive for rabies on August 4. There was a known exposure, and the patient is undergoing preventive rabies vaccination treatment. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Tazewell County and in the Cumberland Plateau Health District this year.
Reports of potential exposures to bats have been increasing and the health department wants to remind residents of the importance to report any exposure to a bat or other potential rabid animal to the local health department.
If you, a member of your household, or your pets are bitten by or possibly exposed to a bat or other potential rabid animal — including saliva that gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or wounds, wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately.
Bats have small teeth that may leave marks not easily seen. Although many people know if they have been bitten by a bat, there are certain circumstances when a person might not be aware or able to tell if they have been bitten. Be aware if a bat is discovered anywhere within a home, especially if it is found in a room with an unattended child or near a person with a disability. In these circumstances, a person should seek medical attention and have the bat tested for rabies.
The Tazewell County Health Department also reminds 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, 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 or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
- 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
Rabies is linked to a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. For more information, contact the Tazewell County Health Department at (276) 988-5585 or visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/
August 6, 2024
Media Contact: Brian Stanley, Environmental Health Manager, 276-415-3370
Rabid Bat Confirmed in Buchanan County Community
BUCHANAN Co., Va. – A bat collected August 2, from the Lovers Gap Road area of the Vansant community in Buchanan County tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Buchanan County and in the Cumberland Plateau Health District this year.
A resident observed that their cat and its kittens had caught 2 juvenile bats on August 1 and notified the local health department with concerns of a potential rabies exposure to the animals. The health department submitted the specimens for testing which one of the bats tested positive for rabies. The health department wants to remind residents to report any human or domestic animal exposure to a bat or other suspected rabid animal to their local health department or animal control office for investigation to assure individuals and domestic animals are protected.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms in humans develop, the infection is usually fatal. Administering preventive treatment following an exposure and before symptoms develop is critical in preventing disease and death. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a possible exposure.
The Cumberland Plateau Health District strongly advises that people take these steps to protect family members and pets from rabies:
- Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date.
- If your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal, report it to the local health or animal control authorities. Be sure your vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret receives a booster vaccination.
- Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property. Don’t let pets roam free.
- Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. It may attract wild or stray animals.
- Do not keep wild animals as pets. Enjoy all wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame.
- If you see an animal acting strangely, do not go near it and report it to your local animal control department.
- Exclude bats from any building occupied by humans and domestic animals. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/208/2023/02/bat-capture.pdf
For more information, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/ or call the Buchanan County Health Department at 276-935-4591.
