Tag: raccoon

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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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/

 

Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus                                     

September 6, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, (757) 594-7411

Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts would like to notify Poquoson residents that a raccoon found on Jefferson Ct. 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 Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts’ Newport News Environmental Health Office at (757) 594-7340. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact the local Animal Control at (757) 595-7387.

Rabies is fatal, but preventable. Our local office of Environmental Health Services will be contacting the immediate neighbors as well as any civic or homeowner’s association that serves the community.

The district would like to remind all citizens to follow these three important rabies prevention guidelines:

  1. Vaccinate your pets.
  2. Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local

health department.

  1. Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons,

skunks or foxes to visit your neighborhood.

 

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Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies Virus in Three Rivers Health District

July 31, 2025
Media Contact: Brenden Rivenbark, Brenden.rivenbark@vdh.virginia.gov

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies Virus in Three Rivers Health District
Public Who Handled Raccoon Advised to Seek Treatment 

SALUDA, Va. – A baby raccoon found on July 17th towards the end of Glass Road and brought to the Severn Yachting Center in Hayes has tested positive for the rabies virus. Anyone who handled the racoon or has information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Gloucester County Health Department at (804) 693-2445. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.

This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia wildlife such as bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks which sometimes infect 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. 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 Three Rivers 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/

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Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies Virus in West Piedmont Health District

July 24, 2025
Media Contact: Darrin Doss, darrin.doss@vdh.virginia.gov

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies Virus in West Piedmont Health District

HENRY COUNTY, Va. – A raccoon found on July 21 in the 2000 block of Dogwood Lane in Fieldale 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 Martinsville – Henry County Health Department at (276) 638-2311. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. You may also contact Patick County Animal Control at (276) 638-8751.

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/

Suffolk Health Department Rabies Investigation

May 8, 2025
Media Contact: Jay Duell, (757) 514-4751

Suffolk Health Department Rabies Investigation

Suffolk, Va.- The Suffolk Health Department received information today that a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was injured and displaying neurological systems. Therefore, it was captured by Animal Control. The incident happened in the Cedar Point area of Suffolk.

Exposure of humans to rabies occurs when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane, such as with an animal bite. An animal exposure can be a serious medical event, for which prompt evaluation and complete treatment is critical. Rabies is highly preventable if vaccine is given early and as recommended. Unfortunately, without preventive treatment, by the time someone develops symptoms of rabies, there is no cure, and 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.

Angela Tillery, MBA, health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, strongly emphasizes the following recommendations for Suffolk residents to take in protecting their families and their 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 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 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, 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 four 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’s website at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/rabies/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/

 

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Rabid Raccoon Reported in Norfolk

January 3, 2025 
Media Contact: Norman Grefe, Norfolk Health Department, Environmental Health Manager, Norman.Grefe@vdh.virginia.gov, 757-683-2824

Rabid Raccoon Reported in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. –  A raccoon in Norfolk has tested positive for rabies. The juvenile raccoon was found in a marsh area along the river bordering the 3500 block of Granby Street on December 29, 2024.  The raccoon was reported ill and was euthanized and sent to the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond for testing. It was reported positive for rabies on January 2, 2025. There are no known exposures associated with this raccoon; however, if you have been bitten or scratched by a raccoon in this area, 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 is begun 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.

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Warns of Rabies Concerns in Pittsylvania County

September 23, 2024
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, Public Information Officer, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Warns of Rabies Concerns in Pittsylvania County

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – In order to protect the health of residents and visitors, the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District is issuing a notice about a raccoon testing positive for rabies in the area of the 500 block of Iris Lane. This location is within Pittsylvania County, just outside of the city of Danville. The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District asks anyone who may have come into contact with the raccoon to call the health district at 434-433-3545.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Rabies can be prevented in cats, dogs, ferrets and some livestock with a rabies vaccination. Rabies kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it. The rabies virus is mainly in the saliva and brain tissue of rabid animals. It can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth.

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.

The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District is reminding the public to avoid contact with bats, feral cats, stray dogs and wild animals, particularly in the area where the rabid raccoon was found. See additional precautions below.

Additional Steps to Protect Against Rabies Exposure:

  • 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, all dogs, cats and ferrets 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.
  • 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.
  • If you observe any stray animals in the area, contact the Pittsylvania County Animal Control for assistance at 434-432-7937. Please do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals.
  • 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 Pittsylvania-Danville Health District for further recommendations.

For additional information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/animal-contact-human-health/ or call the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District at 434-433-3545.

Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus in Rockbridge County

February 29, 2024
Media Contact: Laura Lee Wight
Population Health Manager
laura.wight@vdh.virginia.gov

Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus in Rockbridge County

(LEXINGTON, Va) The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) would like to notify residents in the areas of Vallance Way, Village Way, Spencer Court, and Greenhouse Road in Rockbridge County that a raccoon found in the area has tested positive for the rabies virus. The raccoon no longer poses a threat to the public, but CSHD wants to remind everyone, and especially pet owners, of the risks of rabies.

Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal in the days leading up to February 21, 2024 (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Lexington-Rockbridge Health Department at (540) 463-3185. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system.  It is almost always fatal, unless preventive treatment is administered before symptoms develop. For more information, please visit the Virginia Department of Health’s Rabies Control page:  vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.

CSHD would like to remind all citizens to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

  • Vaccinate your pets.
  • 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.