Categories: PETS

Rabid raccoon encounters dog in Chesapeake


The Virginia Department of Health is urging pet vaccination after a rabid raccoon was found in Chesapeake.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health is reminding people to have their pets vaccinated after a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Chesapeake on May 18.

The test results came after a dog had an encounter with a raccoon in the 200 block of Marsh Island Drive in the Rivercrest neighborhood of Chesapeake, near The River Club Park. The raccoon did not survive. The dog sustained minor injuries and was up to date on rabies immunizations. 

Health officials said human exposure to rabies happens when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane, such as an animal bite.

Rabies is 100% fatal if left untreated. 

The district advises residents to:

  • Make sure that all pets have rabies vaccinations that are current.
  • Don't approach or feed wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs.
  • Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.

The health department said if anyone in your household, including pets, has had any exposure to stray or wild animals in the area contact your physician or call the Health Department at Peninsula Health District Environmental Health Office at 757-594-7340.



Source link

Doggone Well Staff

Recent Posts

Wetlands Park’s Discovery Day connects the community with reptiles and recreation | Local Las Vegas

Reptiles were petted as delighted shrieks were heard around the Clark County Wetlands Park Nature…

51 minutes ago

Hundreds of animals up for adoption at Petco Love Florida Mega Pet event at Jacksonville Fairgrounds

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Petco Love Florida Mega Pet Adoption event is being held at…

2 hours ago

ICE Raids Raise Issue of Pet Safety During Uncertain Times | Four-Legged Friends and More

As communities on California’s Central Coast navigate ICE raids issued by the Trump administration, the…

3 hours ago

Home life better for cats and wildlife under new SHRCC rules

Home life better for cats and wildlife under new SHRCC rules af72c1e7d666be7a612510e8a6f41378 Sunraysia…

4 hours ago

Lucy the poochie dog and little guardian, a rescue love story

We think we are saving them, but they are saving us. Grice Connect's Michele LeBlanc…

5 hours ago

‘Black magic’ horror in Bengaluru: Woman slits pet dog’s throat, hides body at home

A woman hailing from West Bengal has allegedly killed one of her pet Labradors as…

5 hours ago