Central Virginia Health District Confirms Three Rabid Animals

March 11, 2026
Media Contact: Kim Foster, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Virginia Health District Confirms Three Rabid Animals

Lynchburg, Va. – The Central Virginia Health District has received confirmation of three rabid animals located in the district between March 6 and March 9, including a rabid raccoon on Crestview Drive in the Forest area of Bedford County. Also, two rabid skunks have been reported in Campbell County, one on Suburban Road and another on Bethany Road. All the rabid animals had known or suspected contact with dogs. There is no known human exposure among the three incidents.

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 contacting open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose. All animal bites should be reported to the local animal control officers or to the local health department to ensure proper follow-up for rabies prevention.

Everyone should take commonsense measures to protect themselves and their domestic animals from rabies. Pet owners should keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current. It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught not to touch, pet, or otherwise handle unknown animals.

Steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:
• Be sure that your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
• Avoid contact with wild animals or stray animals.
• Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns
about sick or injured wildlife.
• 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.
• Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
• Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.

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 doctor or the health department for further
recommendations. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-virginia/health-department-locations/

For more information about rabies, https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabiescontrol/.

Rabid Raccoon Discovered in East Great Bridge

March 12, 2026

Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov

Rabid Raccoon Discovered in East Great Bridge

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – On March 4, 2026, a resident on Fordsmere Road in the Woodards Mill neighborhood of Chesapeake discovered a juvenile raccoon in the vicinity. The resident reported the raccoon to a local animal rescue organization. The raccoon was subsequently captured and transported to a local veterinarian. Testing confirmed the raccoon to be rabies positive. No animal or human encounters have been reported.

Rabies is commonly found in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia. Wild animals can also spread rabies to unvaccinated feral and domestic pets and livestock.

Rabies illness symptoms include abnormal behavior, difficulty swallowing, poor balance, paralysis and seizures. Once any mammal becomes ill with rabies, progression to death typically occurs rapidly. If left untreated in humans, rabies is 100% fatal.

“Rabies is entirely preventable and one bite can change a life.” said Derek D. Hunt, Environmental Health Manager. “Protect yourself, your pets, and your community by keeping animals vaccinated and avoiding contact with wildlife.” 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 attempt to capture or feed a stray animal. Report strays to Chesapeake Non-Emergency Dispatch. 757-382-6161.
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 is 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 and business 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.

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 Chesapeake Health Department for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, Chesapeake Non-Emergency Dispatch. 757-382-6161.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

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Stray Black Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell City

February 24, 2026

For More Information Contact

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

Media Contact: RaShel Charles, Rashel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov

Stray Black Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell City

HOPEWELL, Va – The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a stray black cat has tested positive for the rabies virus. The cat was involved in multiple incidents of bites and scratches near the 2400 block of Oaklawn Blvd and Crestline Blvd during February 21 – 22, 2026. The cat is described as a female black cat with missing fur on the top of its head, weighing 6-8lbs. The Hopewell Health Department/Crater Health District and the Hopewell Animal Service 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 include direct contact between a child or pet and the rabid animal.

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near either the 2400 block of Oaklawn Blvd or Crestline Blvd and think you, your child, or pet(s) had contact with the infected cat. 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, “said 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
Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and
Report stray animals to your local animal control
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 Hopewell Animal Services Unit at (804) 541-2204. 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 Southampton County

February 17, 2026

Media Contact: Brandon Applewhite, Environmental Health Supervisor,
757-653-3040

Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies in Southampton County

SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY, Va. – The Southampton County Health Department is alerting the public that a skunk tested positive for rabies. The skunk was taken from the 2200 block of Story Station Road in Courtland. Health officials consider skunks high-risk animals for rabies.

Rabies is a fatal disease, but it can be prevented. The most common way people are exposed to rabies is when an infected animal bites or scratches them. The infected animal’s saliva enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane. Prompt evaluation and complete treatment is critical. Unfortunately, there is no cure for rabies. Without preventive treatment, by the time someone develops symptoms of rabies, the disease is fatal in almost 100% of cases. The disease is also fatal in infected domestic dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated. Rabies is highly preventable if vaccine is given early.

Angela Tillery, health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, strongly recommends Southampton County residents protect their families and their pets from rabies.

If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact Southampton County Animal Control at (757) 653-2100 or the Southampton County Health Department at (757) 653-3040.

Seek prompt medical treatment for any animal bite to ensure timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs.
Ensure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Please consult your veterinarian, Southampton County Animal Control, or the Southampton County Health Department if you have any questions about pet vaccinations.
Confine your pets to your property.
Securely seal garbage containers with lids.

State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated, against rabies. For more information on rabies, contact the Southampton County Health Department at (757) 653-3040, Southampton County Animal Control at (757) 653-2100, or visit the Virginia Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Suffolk

February 11, 2026
Media Contact: Joseph Everett, Environmental Health Supervisor
757-514-4751

Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Suffolk

SUFFOLK, Va. – The Suffolk Health Department is alerting the public that a cat tested positive for rabies. The cat was taken from the 100 block of Robertson Street in the Whaleyville area of Suffolk to a veterinary clinic for evaluation. Due to the extent of its symptoms and health condition, the cat was humanely euthanized and tested for rabies.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for rabies. Without preventive treatment, once symptoms develop, the disease is fatal in nearly 100% of cases. Rabies is also fatal in infected domestic dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated.

Rabies is highly preventable if the vaccine is given early.

Angela Tillery, health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, strongly recommends Suffolk residents protect their families and pets from rabies.

If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact Suffolk Animal Control at 757-514-7855 or the Suffolk Health Department at 757-514-4751.

Seek prompt medical treatment for any animal bite to ensure timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs.
Ensure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Consult your veterinarian, Suffolk Animal Control, or the Suffolk Health Department if you have any questions about pet vaccinations.
Confine your pets to your property.
Securely seal garbage containers with lids.

State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of 4 months to be vaccinated against rabies. For more information on rabies, contact the Suffolk Health Department at 757- 514-4751, Suffolk Animal Control at 757-514-7855, or visit the Virginia Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.

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Rappahannock Area Health District Reports Rabies Case for Raccoon in the City of Fredericksburg

January 20, 2026
Media Contact: Erin Perkins, erin.perkins@vdh.virginia.gov

Rappahannock Area Health District Reports Rabies Case for Raccoon in the City of Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, VA – The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) is notifying community members residing near the vicinity of the 900 block of Sylvania Avenue in Fredericksburg of a raccoon that was collected on January 15, 2026; it has tested positive for rabies. This raccoon has a known exposure to a dog in this area, and no human exposures have been reported at this time.

“Rabies is a significant public health concern,” says Interim Health Director for the Rappahannock Area Health District David C. Rose, MD, MBA, FAAP. “This exposure to a known positive animal serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping your pets vaccinated against rabies and avoiding contact with wild and stray animals, particularly those sick and injured.”

Anyone who has contact with high-risk animals such as foxes, skunks, racoons, feral cats or other wild or stray animals via a bite, scratch or contact with saliva in an open wound or through the eyes, nose, or mouth should contact the Rappahannock Area Health District. Exposures also include direct contact or observed close proximity between your pet and a wild animal. The RAHD can be reached at 540-899-4797 between 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. After hours, for either human or animal exposure concerns, please contact your local animal control office.

RAHD 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 your local animal control office 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

For more information about rabies, visit the VDH Rabies webpage.

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Central Shenandoah Health District Reports Rabid Raccoon in Staunton

January 2, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Reports Rabid Raccoon in Staunton

STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds its community members to keep their pets vaccinated for rabies after a raccoon collected Monday 12/29/25 in the City of Staunton tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was collected from a residential area (West of Thornrose Cemetery, between Gypsy Hill Park and West Beverley Street). There are currently no known human exposures to the raccoon.

“While this raccoon no longer presents a threat, it is a reminder to get your pets vaccinated for rabies and to keep their vaccinations up to date,” says Jason Weakley, Environmental Health Manager at CSHD. “Protecting animals from rabies protects both them and the people around them.”

Anyone having information regarding any potential exposure to this animal via a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva in an open wound or through the eyes, nose, or mouth should contact the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, for either human or animal exposure concerns, please contact the Virginia Department of Health at 1-866-531-3068.

CSHD 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 block openings in attics, cellars and porches.
Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.

For more information about rabies, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/

Rabid Kitten Bites Man in South Norfolk

December 11, 2025

Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov

Rabid Kitten Bites Man in South Norfolk

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – On December 6, 2025, an employee of a South Norfolk business was bitten by a feral kitten while attempting to render medical assistance. The kitten was discovered in the vicinity of Buell Street several weeks prior to the incident. The employee removed the kitten to his home, where the bite occurred. The kitten is deceased. The employee is currently receiving rabies post-exposure treatment.

Rabies is commonly found in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive for rabies in Virginia. Wild animals can also spread rabies to unvaccinated feral and domestic pets and livestock.

Rabies illness symptoms include abnormal behavior, difficulty swallowing, poor balance, paralysis, and seizures. Once any mammal becomes ill with rabies, progression to death typically occurs rapidly. If left untreated in humans, rabies is 100% fatal.

“Rabies is entirely preventable, and one bite can change a life,” said Derek D. Hunt, Environmental Health Manager. “Protect yourself, your pets, and your community by keeping animals vaccinated and avoiding contact with wildlife.” Virginia law requires all dogs and cats four months of age and older to be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

Do not attempt to capture, feed, or domesticate a stray animal. Do not give or accept a stray pet as a gift. Report strays to Chesapeake Non-Emergency Dispatch. 757-382-8181.
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 and business 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.

Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, Chesapeake Non-Emergency Dispatch. 757-382-6161.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

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Rabid Cat Reported in Norfolk

October 17, 2025
Media Contact: Norman Grefe, Norfolk Health Department, Environmental Health Manager,
757-683-2824, Norman.Grefe@vdh.virginia.gov

Rabid Cat Reported in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. – A cat in Norfolk has tested positive for rabies. The domestic shorthair cat, described as a free-roaming brown tabby, was reported demonstrating aggressive behavior and picked up on Wellman Street in the Glenrock neighborhood on October 10, 2025. The cat was subsequently euthanized and sent to the Viginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) for testing. It was reported positive for rabies today, October 17, 2025. If you were bitten or scratched by a cat in this area matching the above description on or before October 10, 2025 please contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.

It is important to note that all animal bites and scratches should be reported to the local health department. Rabies is a fatal disease but is preventable if treatment begins early and completed as recommended by a medical provider. Exposure incidents occurring in the city of Norfolk should be reported to the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712 or Norfolk Animal Control at 757-664-7387. The following precautions are recommended to reduce the risk of rabies exposure:

Be sure dogs and cats are up to date on vaccinations.
Keep pets confined to home and yard.
Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals.
Do not handle, touch or take in stray or wild animals.
Warn adults and children to report any animal bites or scratches.
Report strays or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387.
Report all animal or human exposures to the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.

For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.

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Mount Rogers Health District Reports Rabies Case in Groundhog in Hillsville

September 5, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, brianne.kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov

Mount Rogers Health District Reports Rabies Case in Groundhog in Hillsville

HILLSVILLE, Va. – The Carroll County Health Department is alerting the public to a confirmed case of rabies in a groundhog that was captured on Thursday, September 4, 2025, on Farmers Market Drive by the Southwest Virginia Farmers’ Market near I-77 in Hillsville. The groundhog tested positive for rabies on Friday, September 5, 2025.

The animal reportedly charged a person before being euthanized and submitted for testing. This incident occurred in the same area where a rabid raccoon was identified less than a month ago. This is the seventh rabid animal identified in Carroll County since July 28^th underscoring the growing public health concern.

“Rabies can take weeks or even months to develop in an animal after exposure, which is why it’s critical to remain vigilant even after a single case is reported,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Health Director for the Mount Rogers Health District. “We strongly urge the community not to engage with wild animals, as this can increase the risk of exposure and make it harder to identify sick animals. If you see an animal acting strangely, such as stumbling, foaming at the mouth, or showing no fear of people, please contact animal control immediately. And remember: no matter how friendly they seem, do not approach or feed wild animals.”

There may have been additional unknown exposures, as the animal was seen in a public area with high foot traffic. If you have information regarding any potential exposure to this animal through a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva in an open wound or through the eyes, nose, or mouth please contact the Carroll County Health Department at 276-730-3180. For after-hour exposure concerns, please contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department at 276-728-4146.

To support community prevention efforts, Galax-Carroll-Grayson Animal Shelter, the Twin County Humane Society, and Carroll Veterinary Clinic are offering free and low-cost rabies vaccination clinics this month.

Free Vaccination Clinics:

Saturday, September 20 at 8 a.m.
Galax-Carroll-Grayson Animal Shelter
200 Fair Street, Galax, VA
Register by September 15 using this link.

Sunday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Twin County Humane Society
Hillsville Farmers Market (540 Pine Street, Hillsville, VA)
(Note: This is not the location where the rabid animals were found.)

Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics:

Ongoing through September 2025
Carroll Veterinary Clinic
Healthy Trail Lane, Hillsville, VA
Walk-ins welcome before 12:00 p.m. or after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays

Rabies is usually spread through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also be transmitted if the animal’s saliva or brain tissue gets into your eyes, mouth, nose, or an open cut. Exposure can also happen if your pet has direct contact with or is seen within close proximity to a rabid animal. All mammals, including humans, can get rabies. Symptoms may appear as early as a few days or as late as several months after exposure. Signs of rabies in animals can include:

Aggression or lack of fear of humans
Excessive drooling or foaming of the mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Staggering or paralysis
Seizures
Fear of water

Carroll County Health Department reminds all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

Do not feed or pet 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 at https://dwr.virginia.gov/ or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.

For more information about rabies, visit the VDH Rabies webpage at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.