May 21, 2024
Media Contact: Julie Thacker, Julie.Thacker@vdh.virginia.gov
Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Sussex County
Sussex, Va. – On May 12, a raccoon was discovered on a property on Longevity Road in Stoney Creek. A domestic dog protected its owners from the raccoon. The raccoon has since tested positive for rabies.
“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Longevity 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, 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 Sussex Animal Control at (804) 898-5371. 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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