The Virginia Veterinary Medical Association in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health has designated the week of September 23-29, 2013, as Rabies Awareness Week within the Commonwealth.
Rabies is nearly 100 percent fatal and is widespread in wildlife throughout Virginia. Any mammal can become infected and many rabid wild animals are reported each year in the state.
The local Piedmont Health District has investigated 151 potential rabies exposures and recorded 19 rabid animals between January 1st and August 31st of this year. Rabid animals in the seven county district in 2013 so far are: Amelia (none), Buckingham – 5 (1 fox, 1 goat, 2 raccoons, 2 skunks), Charlotte – 3 (2 raccoons, 1 skunk), Cumberland – 3 (1 fox, 2 raccoons), Lunenburg (none), Nottoway – 2 (2 skunks), Prince Edward – 5 (1 cat, 1 fox, 3 raccoons).
Understanding the serious nature of rabies and being vigilant in preventing it are critical to safeguarding both human and animal health. The Piedmont Health District strongly advises taking the following steps to protect 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.
During Rabies Awareness Week, some veterinarians may be offering low cost rabies vaccinations. Check to see if your pet’s doctor is participating.
For more information, please contact your local county Health Department or you can visit the following website: www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DEE/Rabies/
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