Tag: rabies

Chesapeake Health Department Hosts $10 Rabies Vaccination Clinic

April 22, 2026
Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov

 

Chesapeake Health Department Hosts $10 Rabies Vaccination Clinic

CHESAPEAKE, Va. –  The Chesapeake Health Department will hold its onsite spring $10 Rabies Vax Clinic on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to noon 748 Battlefield Blvd. N, Chesapeake, Va. 23320.

One-year rabies vaccinations are available for pets without a current rabies certificate. Three-year rabies vaccinations are available for pets with a current rabies certification in need of renewal.

$10 cash only will be accepted per pet on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. A limited number of pre-registrations will be accepted. Email https://shorturl.at/sUz6q by 5:00 p.m. April 23, 2026.

Pets MUST BE LEASHED OR CRATED. No exceptions. All proceeds benefit Chesapeake Animal Services.

Rabies is commonly found in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. 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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Free Rabies Vaccines Offered at “Spring Into Safety” Event at Norfolk Public Health

April 13, 2026

Media Contact: Kathy Lamm
Kathy.Lamm@vdh.virginia.gov, (757) 236-0529

Free Rabies Vaccines Offered at “Spring Into Safety” Event at Norfolk Public Health

NORFOLK, Va. — Local pet owners are invited to bring their furry friends to Spring Into Safety, a special community event offering FREE rabies vaccinations on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 830 Southampton Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510.

This family-friendly event focuses on pet wellness and seasonal preparation. In addition to free rabies vaccines (while supplies last), attendees can enjoy swag giveaways and celebrate the start of the spring season with the local pet community.

“Rabies prevention is an essential part of protecting both pets and people,” said Dr. Susan Girois, director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health. “The Spring Into Safety clinic is a great opportunity for the community to safeguard their animals’ health as they spend more time outdoors this season.”

Requirements for Vaccines:

  • Pets must be at least 12 weeks old.
  • Dogs must be on leashes. Cats must be in carriers.
  • Owners must bring their previous rabies certificate to be eligible for a three-year vaccine. Without it, a one-year vaccine will be provided.
  • Vaccines are first-come, first-served while supplies last.

This event underscores the importance of community health and responsible pet ownership. Pet owners are encouraged to arrive early to ensure availability.

 

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Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Advises District Residents of Rabid Skunk in Orange County

April 7, 2026
Media Contact: Emily Bourdon, emily.bourdon@vdh.virginia.gov

Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Advises District Residents of Rabid Skunk in Orange County
Rabid Skunk found in the vicinity of Zachary Taylor Highway and Terrys Run Road

ORANGE, Va. – In order to protect the health of our residents, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District (RRHD) is issuing a notice about a skunk that has tested positive for rabies near the vicinity of Zachary Taylor Highway and Terrys Run Road in Orange.

Map shows area where rabid skunk was found. The area is in the vicinity of Zachary Taylor Highway and Terrys Run Road in Orange.The Orange County Health Department sent the deceased skunk to the Virginia State Lab for rabies testing Friday, April 3. The skunk was reported positive Tuesday, April 7. The health department has contacted all identified individuals who may have had contact with the skunk and has assessed individual needs for rabies post-exposure shots. To help ensure awareness, those residing near the location of the infected animal will receive an additional notice by text message later today.

The health district encourages all residents to speak with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors, including elderly and disabled contacts, about rabies and the importance of not feeding wildlife and leaving wild animals alone. It is important to keep pets and livestock up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Exposed unvaccinated domestic animals can be isolated for up to six months in strict confinement per the Code of Virginia. If you own a pet or regularly feed/care for feral/farm cats, please make sure you get them vaccinated for rabies! There is no approved post exposure vaccine or treatment for domestic animals, and rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms begin.  Rabies vaccines are inexpensive and highly effective at preventing the spread of rabies.

Individuals bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal should report the bite to local animal control and contact their primary health care provider or local health department for further evaluation and medical recommendations. To report an animal bite or possible rabies exposure incident, contact the Orange Environmental Health Office at (540) 672-1093, or Orange Animal Control at (540) 672-1200.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system.  The virus is found only in the saliva and brain tissue of an infected mammal (the virus is not found in birds, fish, insects or reptiles) and is most commonly spread when an infected animal bites a human or pet.  Less often, virus may also be spread when infected saliva or brain tissue comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membrane (eye, mouth, nose).

Symptoms of the virus in animals include abnormal behaviors such as difficulty swallowing (causing fear of drinking aka “hydrophobia” and foaming around the mouth), poor balance, paralysis and seizures.  Some, but not all rabid animals can become aggressive and attack.  Once symptoms of rabies begin, the illness progresses quickly and is nearly 100% fatal within a couple of days.  In Virginia, the virus is most commonly identified in “high risk” wild animals such as bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks.  Rabies is occasionally found in domestic animals (dogs, cats and livestock) with nearly all due to no vaccination history and exposure to the virus.  Examples of this include imported dogs from rabies-endemic countries and unmanaged feral cat colonies.  Annual counts of laboratory confirmed rabies cases in Virginia by county are available for 2025 at . www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/208/2025/04/2025-1st-QTR-POS.pdf .

Steps to prevent the spread of rabies:

To protect pets and their owners from rabies, 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.  Low cost rabies vaccination clinics are available throughout the area and can be found by searching “low cost rabies vaccinations near me” on your smart phone or internet-enabled device.

Additional Steps to Protect Against Rabies Exposure:

  • Make your home less inviting to wildlife!  Do not feed stray or wild animals, and make sure to feed pets indoors.
  • Store garbage and pet food indoors if possible.  If trash and pet food are stored outside make sure that the container is secure and animal proof.
  • Teach children to avoid all contact with wild or stay animals.
  • Do not handle, attempt to care for or dispose of sick, injured or dead animals.  Contact animal control or the non-emergency police number for assistance.
  • Keep wild animals such as bats out of your home by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics.  Unlocked dog doors and open windows without screens can also be inviting to wildlife.
  • If you observe any stray or sick looking animals in the area, do not attempt to catch or kill it.  Contact your local animal control for assistance.
  • If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it.  Call animal control for assistance.  A health department public health nurse or environmental health specialist will contact you to determine whether the bat needs to be tested for rabies.
  • 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 local Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District office for further recommendations.

For additional information on rabies, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.  For additional information about the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District, the communities we serve and telephone numbers for local offices, visit www.RRHD.org.

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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.

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 are critical.

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

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 and your local health department.

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.

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 Staunton-Augusta Health Department.

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