May 23, 2024
Media Contact: Julie Thacker, Julie.Thacker@vdh.virginia.gov
Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Emporia
Emporia, Va. – On May 20, a raccoon entered a domestic dog’s pen on Chambliss Road in Emporia. The dog killed the raccoon. The raccoon has since tested positive for rabies.
“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Chambliss Road and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected raccoon,” 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 Crater Health District. “We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community.”
The health district 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 the Emporia Animal Control at (434) 634-2121. 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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