Last Updated: November 21, 2024
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) would like to notify community members residing near the vicinity of Hawthorne Avenue in Richmond of a raccoon that has tested positive for rabies.
Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) observed an aggressive raccoon walking in circles on Hawthorne Avenue in Richmond on November 16. The raccoon was impounded and tested positive for rabies. There are NO known exposures to any human or animal at this time.
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 Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care and Control at 804-646-5573.
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts 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, 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 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 Richmond and Henrico Health Districts.
For more information about rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.
# # #
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.