Tag: dinwiddie county

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Dinwiddie County

September 15, 2025

Media Contact: Toinette Waldon, Toinette.Waldon@vdh.virginia.gov
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Dinwiddie County

(Dinwiddie, Va.) The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a bat has tested positive for the rabies virus near Luther Drive, in Church Road (Dinwiddie), VA.  The Dinwiddie Health Department/Crater Health District and Dinwiddie Animal Services Unit encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals.

 

Anyone with information regarding this animal’s exposure (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, or mouth) should contact the Crater Health District Environmental Health Office, at 804-863-1652. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.

 

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Luther Drive and think you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected bat. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, “said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.

 

“Rabies is a preventable disease. Vaccinate your pets, avoid contact with wild animals, and seek immediate care if bitten,” shares Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District.

 

The Health Department 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.
  • Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
  • Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals or stray cats and dogs to visit your premises.

 

Rabies is linked to a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the Crater Health District.

 

To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, please contact Dinwiddie Animal Services Unit at 804-469-4547. If you have concerns about exposure to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For more information on protecting your family from rabies, call 804-863-1652 or visit the VDH Rabies webpage.

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Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies in Dinwiddie County

July 19, 2023

Media Contact: Tara Rose, tara.rose@vdh.virginia.gov

 SKUNK TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES IN DINWIDDIE COUNTY

(Dinwiddie, VA)- On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, a young black and white skunk tested positive for rabies. The skunk charged two dogs near Rives Road in McKenney, VA 23872. The Dinwiddie Health Department and Dinwiddie Animal Control continue to encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations, especially rabies, are current.

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Rives Road and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected skunk. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, “said Crater District Health Departments Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH.

“Rabies is a preventable disease. We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community,” shares Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District.

The Health Department 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.

To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, please contact Dinwiddie Animal Control at 804-469-4547. If you have concerns about exposure to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For more information on protecting your family from rabies, call 804-863-1652 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/rabies-control/ or www.cdc.gov/rabies/.