March 10, 2023
Media Contact:
Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
Environmental Health Division 540-204-9928
Skunk Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus in the City of Salem
SALEM, Va. — The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts would like to notify the residents in the area of Niblick Drive in Salem, that a skunk has tested positive for the rabies virus. The animal was collected on March 4.
Potential exposures to a rabid animal include bites, scratches, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, and/or mouth. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. Anyone having information regarding any exposure to the skunk in the days leading up to March 4 should contact the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health District Environmental Health Division at 540-204-9928 or Salem Animal Control at 540-375-3038.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is preventable in domestic animals through vaccinations but is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated.
The health district would like to remind all citizens to follow these three important guidelines:
- Ensure your pets and livestock are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance – do not feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, or foxes to visit your premises.
February 17, 2023
For more information, contact:
Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
Environmental Health Division 540-204-9928
TROUTVILLE, Va. – Health officials have confirmed the presence of rabies in the area of Mountain Pass Road, Troutville. A skunk was confirmed positive for rabies by the Virginia Department of Health on February 16.
Please contact the RCAHD Environmental Health Division or the Botetourt County Animal Control if you know of any possible human or animal contact with this skunk. Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is preventable in domestic animals through vaccinations but is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated. Exposure to rabies is considered:
- any time a bite or scratch (or other circumstance) allows saliva or central nervous system tissue from a potentially rabid animal to enter an open, fresh wound.
- when rabid tissue enters a mucous membrane via the eye, mouth, or nose.
The Code of Virginia §3.2-6521 requires pet owners to maintain current rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats aged four months and older. Citizens should not approach or touch any wild or stray animals and should report any abnormal animal behavior to their local animal control dispatcher. All animal bites and rabies exposures (from wild and domestic animals) must be reported to the RCAHD Environmental Health Division at 540-204-9764.
To help prevent the spread of rabies, everyone should:
- AVOID contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know.
- REPORT unusual-acting animals.
- VACCINATE your dogs, cats, and ferrets, and keep their vaccinations current.
- CALL your doctor and the local health department if you are exposed to an animal with rabies. Call your veterinarian and local animal control if your pet is exposed to an animal with rabies.
Health officials have confirmed the presence of rabies in the area of Breezekrest Lane in Fincastle, VA.
A skunk was confirmed positive for rabies by the Virginia Department of Health on 11/4/2022 in the area of the Breezekrest Lane in Fincastle, VA. Botetourt County Animal Control collected the skunk on 11/01/22.
Please contact the RCAHD Environmental Health Division or the Botetourt County Animal Control if you know of any possible human or animal contact with this skunk.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is preventable in domestic animals through vaccinations but is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated. Exposure to rabies is considered any time a bite or scratch (or other circumstance) allows saliva or central nervous system tissue from a potentially rabid animal to enter an open, fresh wound or come into contact with a mucous membrane by entering the eye, mouth, or nose.
The Code of Virginia requires pet owners (dogs and cats) to maintain current rabies vaccinations for animals four months old and older. In addition, citizens should not approach or touch any wild or stray animals, and should report any abnormal animal behavior to their local animal control dispatcher. All animal bites and rabies exposures (from wild and domestic animals) must be reported to the RCAHD Environmental Health Division at 540-204-9764.
To help prevent the spread of rabies, everyone should:
- AVOID contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know.
- REPORT unusual-acting animals.
- VACCINATE all of your dogs, cats and ferrets, and keep their vaccinations current.
- CALL your doctor and the local health department if you are exposed, or your veterinarian and local animal control if your pet is exposed to an animal with rabies.
