{"id":15070,"date":"2025-08-22T19:45:38","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T23:45:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=15070"},"modified":"2025-08-22T19:47:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T23:47:07","slug":"15070-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-regional-news-releases\/15070-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Rabid Feral Cat Confirmed on North Main Street in Hillsville"},"content":{"rendered":"

August 22, 2025
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Brianne Kilbourne, brianne.kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov<\/p>\n

Rabid Feral Cat Confirmed on North Main Street in Hillsville<\/strong><\/p>\n

HILLSVILLE, Va. \u2013 The Carroll County Health Department is alerting the public to a confirmed case of rabies in a feral cat found acting aggressively on August 21, 2025, in the 1200 block of North Main Street in Hillsville. The cat, described as a short-haired gray feral feline, displayed classic signs of rabies, including unprovoked aggression and lack of fear of humans. It was reported lunging at pedestrians and possibly engaging with other animals in the area. The animal has since been captured and tested positive for rabies.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The area is expected to see a dramatic increase in foot traffic during the upcoming Labor Day Flea Market (August 29 \u2013 September 1), which draws thousands of visitors each year. Given the proximity to Carroll County Middle School, the public library, and influx of visitors next weekend, this incident raises public health concerns.<\/p>\n

This is the fifth animal to test positive for rabies in Carroll County in the past month, underscoring the importance of community awareness and preventive action.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstanding how rabies spreads and how to prevent it is key to protecting our community,\u201d said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Health Director for the Mount Rogers Health District. \u201cRabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but it\u2019s entirely preventable through vaccination and avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals.\u201d<\/p>\n

To support community prevention efforts, the Carroll Veterinary Clinic, located on Healthy Trail Lane in Hillsville, is offering $10 rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats now through August 29. Walk-in availability is open before 12:00 p.m. or after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays. Pet owners are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this low-cost opportunity to protect their animals and help reduce the spread of rabies in the community.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Department at 276-728-4146.<\/p>\n

Rabies is usually spread through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also be transmitted if the animal\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n