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.