DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) — Health officials say a raccoon picked up earlier this week in the Baugh Road area of Carson in Dinwiddie County has tested positive for rabies.
The Crater Health District said the raccoon was found on Tuesday.
Officials are asking residents who may have come in contact with the animal — or have pets that been exposed — to call the Dinwiddie County Health Department at 804-469-3771 or the Dinwiddie County Animal Control Office at 804-469-4547.
Officials said that reports of residents being bitten or scratched by cats and dogs in the district has doubled compared to this same time last year. “Rabies is a fatal disease. It can be prevented with vaccination, but once symptoms begin, it cannot be cured,” said Crater Health District’s Environmental Health Manager Tim Jones.
To report any other suspicious animal please contact the Dinwiddie County Animal Control Office at 804-469-4547. Officials strongly advise residents take the following steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:
- Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date.
- Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
- Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
- Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
- Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.
- Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.
