The Central Virginia Health District received confirmation of three rabid animals located in Campbell and Bedford Counties between March 6 and March 9, the CVHD announced Wednesday.
According to officials, a rabid raccoon was in the Crestview Drive area of Forest in Bedford County, and two rabid skunks were reported in Campbell County. One skunk was found on Suburban Road and the other on Bethany Road.
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Officials say that all the rabid animals had known or suspected contact with dogs, there is no known human exposure among all thre incidents.
The CVHD released the following statement that reads in part:
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 not to touch, pet, or otherwise handle unknown animals.
Steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:
• Be sure that your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
• Avoid contact with wild animals or stray animals.
• 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. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-virginia/health-department-locations/
For more information about rabies, https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabiescontrol/.
CVHD