DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A cat has tested positive for rabies after scratching multiple Dinwiddie County residents, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
On Saturday, June 15, a stray cat reportedly visited a home near Carolyn Drive in the Sutherland area of Dinwiddie County, according to a June 21 press release from the VDH.
This cat, described as a brown, orange and black female calico with white spots, scratched a victim at the home. The calico later tested positive for rabies.
According to the release, investigators soon learned that the cat had scratched multiple victims in the area. Additionally, she reportedly had kittens.
“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Carolyn Drive and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected cat,” said VDH Crater Health District director, Alton Hart, Jr., in the release. “The community’s safety is our priority.“
The Dinwiddie Health Department, Dinwiddie Animal Control and the VDH Crater Health District encourage all pet owners to make sure their pets’ vaccinations are current, especially the rabies vaccine. The VDH also warns pet owners to keep their pets either on their properties or on a leash when outside.
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Additionally, the VDH strongly advises all residents — regardless of whether you own a pet or not — to take the following actions:
Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs
Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs, and eliminate any outdoor food sources around the home, as these could attract strays
Report stray animals to your local animal control agency
If you see a stray or an animal behaving suspiciously in Dinwiddie County, Dinwiddie Animal Control can be reached at 804-469-4547.
If you believe you have been exposed to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. More information on rabies and how to protect yourself can be found online or by calling 804-863-1652.
DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A cat has tested positive for rabies after scratching multiple Dinwiddie County residents, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
On Saturday, June 15, a stray cat reportedly visited a home near Carolyn Drive in the Sutherland area of Dinwiddie County, according to a June 21 press release from the VDH.
This cat, described as a brown, orange and black female calico with white spots, scratched a victim at the home. The calico later tested positive for rabies.
According to the release, investigators soon learned that the cat had scratched multiple victims in the area. Additionally, she reportedly had kittens.
“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Carolyn Drive and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected cat,” said VDH Crater Health District director, Alton Hart, Jr., in the release. “The community’s safety is our priority.“
The Dinwiddie Health Department, Dinwiddie Animal Control and the VDH Crater Health District encourage all pet owners to make sure their pets’ vaccinations are current, especially the rabies vaccine. The VDH also warns pet owners to keep their pets either on their properties or on a leash when outside.
Toxins from Ohio train derailment made it to Virginia and beyond: new data
Additionally, the VDH strongly advises all residents — regardless of whether you own a pet or not — to take the following actions:
Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs
Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs, and eliminate any outdoor food sources around the home, as these could attract strays
Report stray animals to your local animal control agency
If you see a stray or an animal behaving suspiciously in Dinwiddie County, Dinwiddie Animal Control can be reached at 804-469-4547.
If you believe you have been exposed to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. More information on rabies and how to protect yourself can be found online or by calling 804-863-1652.