animal – Newsroom

November 21, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manager/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Lynchburg

LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Lynchburg Health Department has received confirmation that a black adult cat has tested positive for rabies. The cat was in the vicinity of Taylor Road in the Richland Hills Subdivision. Anyone who may have been exposed to a cat or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Lynchburg Health Department at (434) 477-5921. You may also contact the health department by email at askCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov.

This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia and sometimes infects domestic animals like dogs and cats. Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.

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 to not touch, pet or otherwise handle unknown animals.

Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:

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. For more information about rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/

August 6, 2024
Media Contact: Brian Stanley, Environmental Health Manager, 276-415-3370

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Buchanan County Community

BUCHANAN Co., Va. – A bat collected August 2, from the Lovers Gap Road area of the Vansant community in Buchanan County tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Buchanan County and in the Cumberland Plateau Health District this year.

A resident observed that their cat and its kittens had caught 2 juvenile bats on August 1 and notified the local health department with concerns of a potential rabies exposure to the animals. The health department submitted the specimens for testing which one of the bats tested positive for rabies. The health department wants to remind residents to report any human or domestic animal exposure to a bat or other suspected rabid animal to their local health department or animal control office for investigation to assure individuals and domestic animals are protected.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms in humans develop, the infection is usually fatal. Administering preventive treatment following an exposure and before symptoms develop is critical in preventing disease and death. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a possible exposure.

The Cumberland Plateau Health District strongly advises that people take these steps to protect family members and pets from rabies:

Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date.
If your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal, report it to the local health or animal control authorities. Be sure your vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret receives a booster vaccination.
Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property. Don’t let pets roam free.
Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. It may attract wild or stray animals.
Do not keep wild animals as pets. Enjoy all wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame.
If you see an animal acting strangely, do not go near it and report it to your local animal control department.
Exclude bats from any building occupied by humans and domestic animals. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/208/2023/02/bat-capture.pdf

For more information, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/ or call the Buchanan County Health Department at 276-935-4591.