June 21, 2024
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov
Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Dinwiddie County
DINWIDDIE, Va. – On June 15, a stray calico cat (brown, orange, and black with white spots) visited a home near Carolyn Drive in Sutherland and scratched a victim. Upon investigation, several neighbors along the rural road have also been identified as being scratched. In addition, it was discovered that the cat also had kittens. The cat has since tested positive for rabies.
The Dinwiddie Health Department and Dinwiddie Animal Control continue to encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations, especially rabies, are current.
“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Carolyn Drive and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected cat,” said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv. “The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies.”
“Rabies is a preventable disease,” said Toinette Waldon, environmental health manager for the Crater Health District. “We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community.”
The health department strongly advises that people 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.
To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, please contact Dinwiddie Animal Control at 804-469-4547. If you have concerns about exposure to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For more information on protecting your family from rabies, call 804-863-1652 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/rabies-control/ or www.cdc.gov/rabies/.
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