Tag: stray animal

Central Virginia Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips

September 22, 2025
Media Contact: Kim Foster, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Virginia Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips
World Rabies Day is September 28

LYNCHBURG, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. Central Virginia Health District reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Since January 1 of this year, 23 animals have tested positive for rabies in the Central Virginia Health District.

Vaccinating domestic animals, especially cats and dogs, is an important and effective barrier to prevent the transmission of rabies from wild animals to humans. Cats and dogs are more likely than people to have contact with wild animals and, if infected with rabies, could pass the disease along to humans. 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 feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities.
• 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 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.
• Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.

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 local health department for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact your local animal control of health department office.

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

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips

Posted on by lindascarborough

September 25, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips
World Rabies Day is September 28

STAUNTON, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia. CSHD has had 16 animals test positive for rabies so far in 2025.

“Rabies is a fatal disease,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Vaccinating your pets protects them from other animals that might have rabies. Not only does vaccination prevent your pets from getting rabies, it prevents your pets from biting and spreading the virus to humans.”

Virginia law requirecshs 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 feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities by calling 540-332-3842.
  • 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 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.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.

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 Central Shenandoah Health District for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact Staunton Animal Control at 540-332-3842 or the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830.

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

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/

West Piedmont Health District Reports Rabid Skunk Found in Franklin County

May 6, 2025
Media Contact: Sharon Ortiz-García, sharon.ortiz-garcía@vdh.virginia.gov

West Piedmont Health District Reports Rabid Skunk Found in Franklin County

PENHOOK, Va. – A skunk found on May 1, in the 19000 block of Snow Creek Road near Route 40, has tested positive for the rabies virus. Anyone who may have been exposed to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva through an open wound or via the eyes, nose, or mouth) should contact the West Piedmont Health District’s Environmental Health Office at (540) 484-0292 or Franklin County Animal Control at (540) 483-3000. Any exposure involving direct contact with a domestic pet and the rabid animal should also be reported.

It is important to remember that rabies is present in a wide variety of 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 can be fatal 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 if a rabid animal comes into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.

The West Piedmont Health District would like to remind all citizens 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, call the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (https://dwr.virginia.gov) or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
  • If a domestic animal appears ill, injured or need 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 be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Confine your pets and livestock to your property.
  • Securely seal garbage containers with lids to deter 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 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/

Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County

October 4, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manger/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County

LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Campbell County Health Department has received confirmation that a dog, a coon hound about 10 years of age, has tested positive for rabies.  The dog was in the vicinity of Booker Road and Lynchburg Avenue in Brookneal. Anyone who may have been exposed to a dog or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Campbell County Health Department at (434) 332-9550.  You may also contact the health department by email at AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov.

This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia and 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.

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 to not touch, pet or otherwise handle unknown animals.

Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:

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

Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County

October 4, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manger/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County

LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Campbell County Health Department has received confirmation that a dog, a coon hound about 10 years of age, has tested positive for rabies.  The dog was in the vicinity of Booker Road and Lynchburg Avenue in Brookneal. Anyone who may have been exposed to a dog or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Campbell County Health Department at (434) 332-9550.  You may also contact the health department by email at AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov.

This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia and 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.

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 to not touch, pet or otherwise handle unknown animals.

Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:

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