{"id":15900,"date":"2025-10-03T17:00:46","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T21:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=15900"},"modified":"2025-10-03T17:20:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T21:20:28","slug":"mount-rogers-health-district-reports-rabies-case-in-groundhog-in-hillsville","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-regional-news-releases\/mount-rogers-health-district-reports-rabies-case-in-groundhog-in-hillsville\/","title":{"rendered":"Mount Rogers Health District Reports Rabies Case in Groundhog in Hillsville"},"content":{"rendered":"

September 5, 2025
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Brianne Kilbourne, brianne.kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov<\/p>\n

Mount Rogers <\/strong>Health District Reports Rabies Case in Groundhog 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 groundhog that was captured on Thursday, September 4, 2025, on Farmers Market Drive by the Southwest Virginia Farmers\u2019 Market near I-77 in Hillsville. The groundhog tested positive for rabies<\/strong> on Friday, September 5, 2025.<\/p>\n

The animal reportedly charged a person before being euthanized and submitted for testing. This incident occurred in the same area where a rabid raccoon was identified less than a month ago. This is the seventh rabid animal identified in Carroll County since July 28th<\/sup> underscoring the growing public health concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cRabies can take weeks or even months to develop in an animal after exposure, which is why it\u2019s critical to remain vigilant even after a single case is reported,\u201d said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Health Director for the Mount Rogers Health District. \u201cWe strongly urge the community not to engage with wild animals, as this can increase the risk of exposure and make it harder to identify sick animals. If you see an animal acting strangely, such as stumbling, foaming at the mouth, or showing no fear of people, please contact animal control immediately. And remember: no matter how friendly they seem, do not approach or feed wild animals.\u201d<\/p>\n

There may have been additional unknown exposures, as the animal was seen in a public area with high foot traffic. 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

To support community prevention efforts, Galax-Carroll-Grayson Animal Shelter, the Twin County Humane Society, and Carroll Veterinary Clinic are offering free and low-cost rabies vaccination clinics this month.<\/p>\n

Free Vaccination Clinics:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday, September 20 at 8 a.m.<\/strong>
\nGalax-Carroll-Grayson Animal Shelter<\/em>
\n200 Fair Street, Galax, VA
\nRegister by September 15 using this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sunday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.<\/strong>
\nTwin County Humane Society<\/em>
\nHillsville Farmers Market (540 Pine Street, Hillsville, VA)
\n(Note: This is not the location where the rabid animals were found.)<\/em><\/p>\n

Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ongoing through September 2025<\/strong>
\nCarroll Veterinary Clinic<\/em>
\nHealthy Trail Lane, Hillsville, VA
\nWalk-ins welcome before 12:00 p.m. or after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays<\/em><\/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